HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Some powerful state lawmakers say they will oppose the city’s plan to build a new landfill on farmland outside Wahiawa.

“I have never been this angry before in my role as a legislator,” state Rep. Sean Quinlan, the House majority leader, told Hawaii News Now.

The refusal comes after last week’s announcement that the city has decided to locate the next landfill northwest of Wahiawa on farmland 800 feet above the Oahu aquifer.

“I can tell you that I will be introducing a bill next year that would make it illegal to put a landfill on top of an aquifer,” Quinlan said.

“My community and I will fight to protect this land,” he added.

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi told Hawaii News Now he stands by the decision. He said a new landfill can be built safely to protect future generations and the decision was made after a lot of planning and problem-solving.

“If laws were passed prohibiting the construction of anything on an aquifer, given the options it would ultimately mean a landfill, we would have no path forward,” Blangiardi said.

“It will get closer to people, schools and hospitals,” he added.

Act 73 currently prohibits dumping within a half-mile buffer zone for schools, residences and hospitals.

The law could be changed and Quinlan says all options are on the table.

In media statements, Dole Food Company said it was surprised by the city’s decision and is working with state agencies to finalize its donation of the Wahiawa irrigation system, including Wilson Lake and Wahiawa Dam. , to the State.

“The state devotes a lot of resources to purchasing agricultural land. So far we have over 4,000 acres. We are currently in negotiations with Dole to take over Wilson Lake and the dam,” said Senator Donovan Dela Cruz, Senate Ways and Means Chairman.

“If Dole ever decides to leave the state, the state would be interested in purchasing the farmland it currently has,” he added.

For Oahu’s central landfill, the city would need to acquire 150 acres from Dole.

Tuesday morning, Sen. Kurt Fevella and some community groups are planning a protest and press conference against the landfill.

The decision has support from other state lawmakers, like Rep. Darius Kila and Sen. Brenton Awa.

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