County officials ask the public to report illegal dumping

Published on October 02, 2024

LĪHU‘E – County officials remind the public that dumping waste on roadways, vacant lots, and public or private property is illegal.

“In the past few weeks, crews with the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation have retrieved trash and other materials that have been dumped in public roadways islandwide,” said County Engineer Troy Tanigawa. “Not only does this pose a risk to the public’s safety, but it’s also illegal, with violators potentially facing hefty fines.”

 Illegal dumping is the disposal of waste in an unpermitted area. This includes dumping bagged trash, loose waste, yard waste, appliances, tires, construction and demolition waste, automobile parts, and furniture.

Waste and recyclables can be appropriately disposed of and diverted at the County’s Refuse Transfer Stations (RTS) and Kekaha Landfill. Note that the Līhu‘e RTS is temporarily closed for renovations but will reopen on or before Nov. 2.

To report illegal dumping, call Kaua‘i Police Department Dispatch at 808-241-1711. If you can, safely photograph or take down the license plate of violators.

Illegal dumpers may be subject to enforcement action and administrative and civil penalties of up to $10,000 per day for each offense.

In addition, Criminal Littering is when a person knowingly disposes of litter in unauthorized areas, excluding designated disposal sites, litter receptacles, or bags properly discarded. The offense is a petty misdemeanor, with penalties ranging from community service for first-time offenders to fines of $500-$1,000 for subsequent offenses.

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