FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE           February 25, 2005

ENV-18

CITY LAUNCHES “O‘AHU ‘OPALA NUI CLEAN OUT,”

MONTHLY BULKY ITEM PICKUP BEGINS IN WAI‘ANAE

           Mayor Mufi Hannemann and the City Department of Environmental Services today launched the start of regularly scheduled  bulky item pick up for Waianae Coast, the first step in expanding the services to cover the entire island of O‘ahu.

           The expanded program kicks off the “O‘ahu ‘Opala Nui Clean Out” on the Wai‘anae Coast (Sector One), with a specially scheduled sweep of areas that have been without regular bulky item collection. The Clean Out will move from sector to sector around the island.  In each area, the clean out will be followed by regular monthly collection.

             Previously, only the Honolulu District -- Foster Village to Kalama Valley — has had regular monthly bulky item pickup. Until now, residents outside the Honolulu District have had to call the collection yard in their area to schedule a bulky item pickup.

            “The ‘Opala Nui Clean Out gives everyone a chance to do some spring cleaning,” said Mayor Hannemann. “It’s an important step toward a cleaner, safer, healthier ‘aina for everybody.” 

            The ‘Opala Nui Clean Out begins townside of the Wai‘anae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, from Honokai Hale, through Nanakuli and Ma‘ili. Residents should place their bulky items at the curb on Monday, February 28.

            Residents on the Ka‘ena side of the health center, from Wai‘anae through Makaha and Makua, should set them out Sunday, March 13. Following the ‘Opala Nui Clean Out initial sweep of Waianae area, regular collection will begin in April, continuing the first Monday of every month.

             The City’s “Don’t Dump on Hawai‘i” Campaign last year drew attention to the problem of illegal dumping. This campaign also highlighted the problem of unsightly heaps of household bulky items along O‘ahu roadsides and vacant areas.

           “The ‘Opala Nui Clean Out means clutter-free, safe neighborhoods and we hope for a reduction in illegal dumping,” said Hannemann. “Having an efficient, convenient means of disposing our bulky items will help us all do the right thing.”  

              For information about the O‘ahu ‘Opala Nui Clean Out and the planned regular schedule islandwide, residents can visit www.opala.org or call the ENV Concern Line: 692-5656. Radio spots are airing over the next two weeks alerting residents of the schedule. Flyers are also being distributed directly to households and community outlets sector by sector, just prior to the clean out.

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For more information contact:

Eric Takamura

Director, Department of Environmental Services

692-5110