Cultural Sensitivity

Does the debris contain remains? If so, how will it be managed in an appropriate and respectful manner?

While ash from Kula, Olinda and Makawao did not contain remains, ash from Lahaina may contain remains which were unidentifiable by search crews. Ash and debris from Lahaina is removed from properties under oversight by trained cultural monitors hired by USACE. The ash and debris is being transported to a temporary debris storage (TDS) site near Lahaina.

What if cultural artifacts or former burial sites are uncovered during the cleanup?

All debris team contractors are trained by cultural observers to be aware of any cultural, historic, and archaeological resources in Lahaina and will support efforts to protect these important resources.  USACE employs cultural observers and archaeological monitors to oversee all work during debris removal efforts.  When artifacts or former burial sites (historic properties) are found or uncovered, FEMA follows an approved Archeological Treatment Plan (ATP)  to address any inadvertent discoveries.  Cultural observers and archaeological monitors are onsite for each parcel that needs monitoring as outlined in the ATP for all stages of Phase 2 operations. 

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Is it possible to deposit culturally sensitive or ash known to contain remains separately from the rest of the debris?

Remains and cultural items that are identifiable will be managed properly in coordination with the cultural monitors, however, it is very difficult to distinguish remains or other artifacts when debris materials are entirely ash.

What will be done to minimize impacts to the environment and any culturally significant items (i.e., petroglyphs, Iwi) at the TDS site?

The State Historic Preservation Officer and local Cultural Directors are consulted prior to debris removal. If any such areas are identified, efforts are made to avoid or conserve any cultural artifacts or areas of significance in the area. In addition, cultural monitors are onsite during debris removal activities to ensure any Iwi or artifacts that may be discovered are properly conserved or managed to respect the Native Hawaiian Rights of families.

How will the temporary debris storage (TDS) area be built to be protective of human health, wildlife, agricultural lands, marine life, and the environment?

The TDS area was built atop compacted soils and a heavy plastic (80 mil HDPE) liner underlying the ash and debris. Debris (plastic, dust) is being prevented from blowing onto adjacent lands or the ocean, and air monitors are in operation around the site. Regular supervision and maintenance is being performed to prevent leachate (liquids from the waste) from migrating or leaking from the site. All leachate is contained within a retention area underlain with the same heavy plastic liner to prevent infiltration into the soil and groundwater, which is over 100’ below the ground surface and not used as a source of drinking water. Collected leachate is reutilized within the lined TDS area to control dust in accordance with requirements and local ordinance. Surface water from rain events is diverted around the lined TDS area using specially designed drainage channels to prevent contact with the ash and debris.

Residents cannot dictate terms of service. They will have to opt out and be responsible for debris removal to the standards required.

Cultural monitors will be present during debris removal operations. If cultural resources are discovered during debris removal, the monitors will stop work and investigate a resolution.

Yes. If there are items you would like to keep on your property, specify items to remain in the ROE.
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You will be notified of when debris removal operations will take place.

Will residents have a chance to sort through the debris to look for any valuables?

Residents are being permitted to re-enter areas to see their properties, but ‘sifting’ is restricted due to safety considerations with the ash and the dust this may generate. USACE is meeting with individual landowners before debris removal on their properties, and the residents have the opportunity to request “eyes open” for certain valuables. Residents can take actions to minimize their exposure to contaminants in ash and dust 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.

What if the contractor discovers valuables like money or a safe?

If the contractor discovers valuables, they should preserve them so we can return them to the property owner. Additionally, we will have quality assurance personnel onsite to monitor these situations and make positive contact with the property owner.

No, the EPA will only remove household hazardous waste. If functional firearms or suspected remains are found, the EPA will immediately stop work and coordinate with police.