Waste Management - Keeping Hawaii Clean

Waste management of Hawaii begins ambitious landscaping project at Waimanalo Gulch Landfill

Kapolei, Hawaii, November 14, 2007 - Waste Management of Hawaii announced today an ambitious landscaping project that will take place over the next 30 days at Waimanalo Gulch Landfill. Approximately 30 semi-mature Monkey Pod and Norfolk Pine trees will be planted on the top of the ash toe berm, located toward the front of the landfill. These trees were selected because of the large canopy cover they provide and because they are non-invasive species which will not harm the environment. The company will spend more than $100,000 on the landscaping efforts, including labor, cost of materials and installation of irrigation.

"When I established the Waimanalo Gulch Landfill Oversight Committee, I charged the members with coming up with concrete proposals to improve the Waimanalo landfill operations. One of the priorities of the committee-which consists of Leeward coast residents-was beautifying the stretch along Farrington Highway to screen the landfill from motorists," said Mayor Mufi Hannemann. "I'm delighted that Waste Management is acting on this recommendation. Combined with the other improvements made so far, we've enjoyed significant progress in improving operations and lessening the landfill's impact on the community."

"The plantings will screen off mechanical equipment and the working face of the ash operations," said Dave Jappert, general manager of Waste Management of Hawaii. "The trees will be approximately 15 to 20 feet tall when first planted, and will be between 40 to 50 feet tall when fully mature."

In addition, the area will be hydroseeded - resulting in fast-growing grass - so that it better blends in with the surrounding landscape. Permanent irrigation will be installed as part of this project to ensure the trees and grass will thrive for years to come.

Waste Management of Hawaii has operated Waimanalo Gulch Landfill as an integral part of the City & County of Honolulu's solid waste management infrastructure for more than 20 years. The facility is permitted to handle municipal solid waste, which is heavily regulated, monitored and controlled by local, state and federal government agencies. The facility's staff includes 31 full-time employees, many of whom are active in the local community. In addition to its community contributions and significant volunteer efforts, Waste Management provides a benefit to the local economy of more than $2.9 million annually. To learn more about Waste Management's commitment to the beautification of the islands, visit www.keepinghawaiiclean.com.

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