The County of Maui announced that wildfire debris removal in Lahaina has started a new phase, with trucks now hauling debris from Olowalu to the Central Maui Landfill. Around 400,000 tons of debris are being moved to the Permanent Disposal Site, which is closed to the public due to construction. Drivers in West Maui are told to expect delays and not to pass or follow closely behind trucks labeled "Lahaina Wildfire Debris." Parts of the old cane haul roads are being used along the 19-mile route to help with traffic flow, according to the County of Maui.
The County of Maui is working with Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation, and the Hawaiʻi Department of Health to move a large amount of debris, described as equal to five football fields stacked five stories high. The County of Maui’s website has information for the public, including a FAQ section, route maps, and the TDS-PDS Transfer & Closure Plan. People can also call the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Debris Hotline for questions. "Up to 50 trucks" will transport debris each day for about five months, only during daylight hours.
Maui is proceeding with the transport of debris determined safe by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Health. To reduce the risk of dust and other pollutants during handling and hauling, crews are using water sprays, thick plastic sheeting, and dust monitoring stations. In December 2024, the county acquired additional land to expand landfill capacity and support waste management over the next ten years. Information is available at MauiRecovers.org/debristransfer, as reported by the County of Maui.
