Has the community been consulted about this process? Will there be a chance to comment?

Public outreach is underway to make residents aware of planning efforts to manage debris and solicit feedback, opinions, recommendations, and ideas.  This outreach is part of a community involvement plan is under development in coordination with local, state and federal partners. It will involve outreach in person (i.e., open houses, via websites and social media). Information will be made available on these opportunities at the https://www.mauirecovers.org/debrisremoval website.

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Is the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) involved in the planning and process?

Yes. DOH staff from various divisions have been and continue to be involved daily in all aspects of the planning and implementation of the project.

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How is the Emergency Powers Act and associated Emergency Proclamations being used to facilitate this process?

The Governor has issued several Emergency Proclamations related to the wildfires (see https://www.mauicounty.gov/2006/Declarations).  The Emergency Proclamations exempt certain permitting and regulatory requirements to facilitate the expedient recovery and community protections for victims of the wildfires. These proclamations will exempt Maui County from certain permitting requirements which would significantly delay the design, construction and use of the waste management facilities.

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What is being done to minimize the potentially harmful effects of toxins in the ash / debris on human and environmental health?

The wildfire ash, dust and debris must be removed as quickly as possible and according to accepted safety standards.  The first phase of this effort, overseen by USEPA, is nearly complete.  The second phase, which is being undertaken by USACE, entails wrapping ash and debris from Lahaina in a non-permeable material, securing and covering it, and trucking it to a temporary staging area before it will be permanently stored at the proposed West Maui site.  Debris and ash from the Kula/Olinda impacted areas will be transported and disposed of at the Central Maui Landfill.  Contingency plans are in place to respond to any accidents or spillage during transport.

People can take action to minimize their exposure to these contaminants including avoiding disruption of ash and wearing proper PPE (personal protective equipment) when in impacted areas. In addition, for people near the impacted areas, keeping surfaces clean of dust and ash and frequent handwashing will greatly reduce potential exposure, according to the Hawai’i DOH.