Blessing held for Kapa‘a Refuse Transfer Station Friday
Published on February 27, 2026
KAPA‘A – Department of Public Works Solid Waste Division held a blessing on Friday, Feb. 27, to commemorate the first phase of renovations at the Kapa‘a Refuse Transfer Station.
“This facility plays an important role in the everyday lives of our families and businesses on the Eastside. It’s our responsibility to ensure it continues to operate safely and responsibly while providing a service that is truly needed in our community,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami. “Mahalo to our County Council for their support, to our Solid Waste Team and Department of Public Works, all our County partners, and to our contractors for their hard work in bringing this project to completion. Most of all, mahalo to our community for your patience and understanding during construction.”
The facility will reopen in phases beginning March 12, initially accepting bagged trash and offering recycling services for scrap metal, appliances, used oil, tires, and propane tanks. Services for loose mixed waste and green waste will be introduced as remaining improvements are completed.
The $14 million renovation project began in November 2024 and ensures the Kapa‘a RTS remains fully compliant with State Department of Health regulations and the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. WW Clyde served as the contractor for the project, which included installing modern stormwater and leachate management systems, as well as constructing covered drop-off areas for green waste, refuse, white goods, and scrap metal.
The blessing was officiated by cultural practitioner Troy Lazaro and attended by Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami, members of the Kaua‘i County Council, various County staff, and project contractors.
With the scheduled March 12 reopening of the Kapa‘a Refuse Transfer Station, a 6-foot size limit will apply to scrap metal and green waste materials to ensure safe loading and handling.
Please note that the 6-foot limit for scrap metal will take effect on March 12.
The 6-foot limit for green waste will take effect once the lower green waste area closes at a later date. An announcement will be made prior to that change.
In addition, the Solid Waste Division is updating trailer size limits at all refuse transfer stations:
- Trailers must not exceed 5 feet wide by 2 feet high by 8 feet long.
- Trailers longer than 8 feet will not be accepted.
- Side walls may not be added to trailers to increase hauling capacity.
- These limits align trailer capacity with the maximum allowable load equivalent to a ¾-ton pickup truck under County ordinance.
The updated trailer requirements will take effect with the reopening of the Kapa‘a Refuse Transfer Station.
Crowd gathers at the Kapa'a Refuse Transfer Station for a blessing.
Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami addresses the crowd at the blessing ceremony.
Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami (right) and Public Works Solid Waste Division Chief Allison Fraley (left) untie the lei at the blessing ceremony.
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