Congresswoman Hirono Secures $2.5 Million to Fund Cleanup
at Bellows Beach
BELLOWS AIR FORCE STATION, HI — Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono today announced the U.S. House of Representatives has approved her request for $2.5 million to clean up a former landfill at Bellows Beach. The funding is included in the House Defense Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2008 (H.R. 3222), which passed earlier this month.
"Securing this federal funding will allow work to begin to excavate and remove the trash buried here and restore the aina for the enjoyment of everyone," Congresswoman Hirono said.
Congresswoman Hirono made the announcement at Bellows Beach during a news conference near the old dump site. Community members and representatives of the military also attended the news conference.
Congresswoman Hirono previously visited the site and met with Waimanalo residents, the military and the Department of Health in April to discuss concerns about trash in the landfill winding up on the beach or in the ocean – and focus on solutions."Our collective efforts and cooperation among the various parties involved show how much we can accomplish when we work together. Members of the Waimanalo community deserve a lot of credit for raising awareness of the potential problems," said Congresswoman Hirono. A group of area residents protested an initial decision by the military to do nothing with the dump site. The military, with the funding secured by Congresswoman Hirono, will excavate and remove the contents of the landfill.
Some 8,500 tons of trash, including rusty metal, oily debris and construction waste, are buried under a one acre site just off the beach near the second sentry post. It was first used as a burn pit for trash, but following World War II it was turned into a landfill.
"I also thank the Air Force for conducting the investigation and survey which led to this action and to the Marines who have demonstrated a commitment to removing this public health hazard," Congresswoman Hirono said.
With its sandy shores, gentle current and beautiful shoreline, Bellows is a popular beach for local families who use it on the weekend, including the section near the old dump, known as Bellows Pier. The one acre site is now covered by grass and ironwood trees and surrounded by fencing and "Keep Out" signs.
Bellows is also prized by the military for the recreation it offers at cabins and other facilities. During weekdays, Bellows Beach is closed off to the public as the military uses it for training purposes.
Learning that a natural disaster like a tsunami or hurricane or ocean surges and erosion, could cause a breach in the sand wall containing the trash and allow junk in the dump to end up on the beach or in the ocean greatly concerned Congresswoman Hirono. "The serious risk to public health, the environment, and the precious aina is unacceptable. I want to make sure the people of O‘ahu are not deprived from enjoying the beach and swimming in the clear water," Congresswoman Hirono said.
Congresswoman Hirono said the next step is to work with Hawaii’s Senators to see that funding for the Bellows cleanup is included in the Senate’s version of the Defense Appropriations bill and in the House-Senate conference report.
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