Representative Karen Awana (Ewa Villages, Kalaeloa, Honokai Hale, Nanakai Gardens, Ko Olina, Kahe Point, Nanakuli, Lualualei, Maili) today voiced opposition to a new proposal to store and dispose of a large cache of illegal fireworks at a rural property on the Waianae Coast.
A public notice was
placed in the Star-Advertiser last week announcing that fireworks display firm Grucci
Inc. is seeking an emergency permit to store and dispose of a fireworks cache at
a property located at 87-879 Paakea Road. The notice failed to provide any information
on the public comment period for the permit’s application before the Department
of Health. Additionally, there has been no communication with the community
from officials regarding the proposal.
The cache contains
the remnants of the shipment of confiscated commercial grade fireworks that
were involved in the 2011 fatal explosion at a Waikele storage bunker—which
resulted in 5 deaths.
“This plan to bring hazardous
fireworks into our backyard is downright exasperating. Both the state and city have
used the Waianae Coast as a dumping ground for far too long,” said
Representative Awana.
“We have seen the
danger that it poses to the public and the community, and now they want to
store and dispose of these fireworks here amongst our neighbors. There has been
no outreach or information from the parties involved with the members of the
community who are being forced to bear this weight. While I still oppose this
proposal, I will work towards facilitating a public meeting with all
stakeholders so that the community will have an opportunity to be briefed about
the plan and provide their input,” added Awana.