FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                February 2, 2006

CITY RESPONDS TO LANDFILL NOTICE OF VIOLATION

            City Environmental Services Director Eric Takamura today issued the following statement regarding the state Department of Health's filing of a notice of violation against the Waimanalo Gulch Landfill:

            "These violations are operational deficiencies for which Waste Management of Hawaii, Inc., is taking full responsibility. The company, which operates the Waimanalo Gulch Landfill for the City, will be solely responsible for paying the administrative penalties that the state is levying. The City will not be paying any of the penalties for these violations.

            "Many of these violations occurred before our watch began. When we took office in January 2005, we became aware of serious operating deficiencies at Waimanalo Gulch and we immediately took steps to remedy those deficiencies. Among those steps, we began meeting regularly with the contractor to address many of the issues that have been subsequently identified in the notice of violation. Waste Management has implemented remedies to the leachate system, grading, litter, record-keeping and other deficiencies.

            "Soon after we instituted these and other reforms, Waste Management replaced its leadership team at the facility."

            "The City and the contractor have already taken steps to address the issues raised by the state. We will continue to work together to ensure Waimanalo Gulch Landfill fully complies with its permit conditions."

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Contact:

            Bill Brennan, 527-6928

            Mark Matsunaga, 527-5767