FACTS SPEAK LOUDEST

3-25-2024 Jason Schwartz-re: OLOWALU TDS…Dept of Health Head Lorrin Pang as a private citizen, Eddie Garcia, West Maui Farmer of Living Earth Systems, Liko Martin, Musician, Songwriter, Farmer speaking about Olowalu Temporary Disposal Site, Toxic Dump Site, its issues AND AWESOME potential solutions, 1 of 2 shows , 1 to follow

Summary & Transcript

– [00:00 → 06:53] Introduction and Context of Olowalu Temporary Toxic Dump Site

• Host Jason Schwartz welcomes listeners globally, noting time zones and wide audience reach.
• Primary topic: The designation of Olowalu as a temporary disposal site for toxic ash and waste resulting from the August 8 Lahaina fire.
• Public concerns raised:
  • Lack of transparency and public review before the county council’s decision.
  • Introduction of new toxic substances to the public, such as dioxins and furans, and confusion about their health impacts.
• Discussion of scientific perspectives:
  • Some scientists (e.g., from Duke University, McGill) suggest toxic ash exposure already affects areas up to 20–50 km from the fire site, including the entire west side of Maui.
• Criticism of government agencies (EPA, Army Corps of Engineers, FEMA) for applying “blanket” policiesand limited local agency autonomy.
• Political difficulties:
  • The mayor and governor (both with judicial backgrounds) are constrained by larger institutional and political forces.
• The host emphasizes “Ho’oponopono”, a Hawaiian term meaning balance and open communication despite disagreements.
• Calls for containerization of toxic ash to prevent contamination:
  • Questions the logic of mixing toxic ash with clean dirt to expand toxic waste volume.
  • Concerns about the toxic dump site’s proximity to sensitive locations such as the main road to major tourist areas.
• Host urges public mobilization to pressure EPA, FEMA, and local government to stop the current dumping practice and adopt safer containment methods.

– [06:53 → 19:47] Broader Vision for Solutions and Community Engagement

• Host shares a vision of integrating cutting-edge waste processing technologies that have existed for decades but remain underutilized locally.
• Mentions Mama Maui Arts and Music Association (MAMA) and PAPA as community groups aiming to raise funds and awareness to support innovative environmental solutions.
• Promotes the concept of turning waste into safe building materials and natural soil enhancers (phyto-sudation), offering sustainable ecosystem benefits.
• Highlights the need for private sector involvement, naming wealthy individuals (Larry Ellison, Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk) as potential investors to scale these solutions.
• Emphasizes the importance of community cooperation, knowledge-sharing, and positive action in facing environmental and social challenges.
• Host reflects on his long history of community activism (since early 1990s) and integrated resource planning.
• Introduces the Neutral Zone show’s role as a public platform for dialogue, education, and sustained coverage of the toxic waste issue.

– [19:47 → 31:31] Media Platforms and Upcoming Content

• Details about the show’s broadcast on:
  • Radio: KCUU 88.5 FM
  • TV: Akaku Maui Community Media (Channel 55)
  • Streaming services and YouTube
• Encourages audience participation via call-in number: 808-873-3435.
• Preview of upcoming guests and segments:
  • Scientists, Department of Health officials, local activists, and environmental experts.
  • Topics include new theater projects, environmental technologies, and social justice for houseless populations.
• Shares a song “Unlock the Hope” by Lono. God, symbolizing the need to unlock hope and make positive change.

– [31:31 → 38:15] Interview with Dr. Lorrin Pang, Maui Department of Health Head

• Dr. Pang discusses ethical and environmental concerns about relocating toxic waste:
  • Moving toxins to less populated areas is not a solution; fewer people does not justify environmental harm.
  • Example: Watershed areas and reef near Olowalu are crucial ecosystems and must be protected.
• Addresses misconceptions on pollution dilution:
  • Dilution by rain or water is not effective for ecosystems; total toxin load matters more than concentration alone.
  • Toxic substances persist for up to 120 years, threatening long-term reef health.
• Critiques current disposal methods that involve pumping contaminated water back into the environment, questioning their scientific validity.
• Stresses that protecting the reef is paramount regardless of population density nearby.
• Emphasizes he speaks as a private citizen, advocating for transparent and responsible environmental management.

– [38:52 → 42:19] Interview with Eddie Garcia, Farmer and Environmental Advocate

• Eddie highlights international examples of successful waste containment:
  • Sites in Germany, South Africa, Oregon, Minnesota, and Minneapolis use bailing and containerization technologies to safely store toxic waste.
• Argues that Maui County’s claims about containerization requiring 40 acres and 12,000 containers are mathematically incorrect.
  • His group estimates 7,000 containers would be sufficient to hold 400,000 cubic yards of toxic ash.
• Questions the county’s resistance to containerization, suspecting bureaucratic or political reluctance.
• Calls for immediate halt to dumping at Olowalu and transition to safe, contained storage on or near site.

– [42:19 → 47:39] Overview of Technology Solutions and Their Benefits

• Introduction of Nev Solutions and related technologies:
  • Machines that sort, chop, and transform toxic waste.
  • Importance of keeping toxic waste dry and contained to prevent spreading through water.
• Clarification on terminology:
  • Difference between pyrolysis (low-oxygen heating) and incineration (burning with oxygen).
  • High-temperature incineration (>2000°F) can neutralize dioxins, but incomplete burning leaves toxic residues.
• Toxic components of ash include PVC plastics from buildings, which release carcinogenic dioxins and furans.
• Toxic chemicals like dioxins:
  • Accumulate in fatty tissue.
  • Persist for generations.
  • Have no safe allowable exposure levels.
• Current testing and classification:
  • Toxic vs. hazardous waste distinctions are unclear and problematic.
• Potential uses for processed toxic waste:
  • Conversion into nano-particles sealed in concrete.
  • Creation of hurricane-proof building materials.
  • Recycling waste into safe construction panels, reducing dependence on imported lumber.
• Host expresses frustration that proven solutions are being ignored by authorities.

– [47:39 → 50:58] Proposal from Clean Harbors for Off-Island Waste Disposal

• Clean Harbors, a major U.S. waste disposal company, has submitted a proposal to the county and mayor’s office:
  • Remove all toxic ash and debris.
  • Containerize and ship it off-island (mainland U.S., Utah) for safe incineration and disposal.
• Estimated cost: $160 million (~$400 per cubic yard).
• This is significantly less than FEMA’s $4 billion estimated cleanup cost.
• Host questions why this option is not being seriously considered or acted upon.
• Raises concerns about cultural respect and environmental justice:
  • Dumping toxic waste onsite at Olowalu harms ocean, reef, and local communities.
  • Shipping off-island could protect Maui’s environment and public health.
• Urges community members to demand transparency and action from local officials.

– [50:58 → 56:51] Closing Remarks and Call to Action

• Additional questions about logistics and sources of clean dirt being mixed with toxic ash.
• Recap of the urgency to find better solutions than expanding toxic dumps.
• Preview of upcoming guests for future shows: scientists, environmental experts from University of Oregon, Clean Harbors representatives.
• Closing with thanks to guests Leo Martin and Eddie Garcia, both emphasizing the political and environmental complexity of the issue.
• Encouragement to watch the full “People’s Council of Maui” meeting on Akaku Maui Stream.
• Host thanks the audience and signs off with aloha and peace.

Key Insights and Conclusions

• Olowalu’s current use as a temporary toxic waste dump is highly controversial and environmentally risky, especially due to proximity to sensitive reefs and communities.
• Public transparency and meaningful consultation have been lacking, leading to frustration and distrust.
• There are proven, safer alternatives such as containerization and off-island disposal that are being ignored or delayed.
• Toxic ash contains dangerous substances like dioxins and furans, which are persistent, bioaccumulative, and carcinogenic.
• Dilution of toxins in the environment is insufficient to protect fragile ecosystems.
• There is a strong call for community activism and pressure on local, state, and federal authorities to halt current practices and explore innovative solutions.
• Maui’s history of environmental activism and cultural values (e.g., Ho’oponopono) provide a foundation for collaborative problem-solving.
• Integration of cutting-edge waste technologies with community arts and culture efforts offers a hopeful path forward.

Timeline Table of Key Events and Topics

Glossary of Key Terms

Call to Action

• Engage with local and federal agencies (EPA, FEMA, Maui County officials) to demand safer waste management practices.
• Support community organizations like Mama Maui Arts and Music Association working to fund innovative environmental technologies.
• Stay informed through platforms like Maui Neutral Zone and participate in public forums.
• Advocate for transparent decision-making and explore international best practices in toxic waste containment.

This summary is strictly based on the content of the video transcript provided and reflects the views and information shared by the host and guests during the broadcast.

Smart Summary