Funding for Improved Kalaupapa Waste Management

KNHP News Release

Joseph Kahee, Pa`oneakai Lee-Namakaeha and Ryan Mahiai, employees of the Solid Waste Facility of Kalaupapa National Historical Park (KNHP), were awarded one of 33 grants across the country in the amount of $12,500. The funding was through the Horace M. Albright-Conrad L. Wirth Grant Program at the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America’s national parks. The Albright Wirth Grant Program supports a wide range of innovative projects that give National Park Service employees the opportunity to pursue personal and professional training experiences.

This group grant was used to implement a comprehensive “greening” plan for KNHP. One of the core components of the plan was to lay the groundwork for an integrated solid waste management system in Kalaupapa. The proposed “greening” process would produce numerous benefits to the park, including reductions in traffic, fuel consumption, and air pollution, while increasing flexibility in waste handling and disposal.

Grant funds were used to defray most out-of-pocket travel, course-related costs, and material expenses for certifications in several training courses.  The employees attended Compost Facility Operators Training in Puyallup, WA; OSHA Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Refresher in Kapolei, HI; Tour de Trash 2013 in the City and County of Honolulu; EPA Refrigerant Transition and Recovery Certification in Kapolei, HI; and RCRA Hazardous/Toxic Waste Management Public Workshop in Orlando, FL.

The trainings and certifications acquired through this grant will improve the handling and disposal of hazardous and solid waste generated at Kalaupapa.  This includes development and encouragement of appropriate alternatives to landfill use, such as recycling and composting. It also provides employee certifications for proper hazardous waste identification and categorization according to state and federal regulations. The desired future condition for KNHP and the community is an integrated solid waste management system that results in minimal impacts to the land, water and people of Kalaupapa.

Investing in proper training and certifications is essential for building a sustainable waste management system, particularly in regions where environmental preservation is a priority. By equipping employees with the necessary skills to handle hazardous and solid waste safely, communities can implement more effective recycling and composting programs. These initiatives reduce reliance on landfills, minimize pollution, and promote a circular economy where materials are repurposed rather than discarded. Proper waste segregation and disposal practices also ensure compliance with state and federal environmental regulations, fostering a cleaner and healthier ecosystem.

Sustainable waste management is not just a local effort—it requires collaboration with companies that specialize in recycling solutions and eco-friendly alternatives. Organizations that prioritize environmentally responsible practices, like this Australian owned company, play a crucial role in advancing global sustainability efforts. From innovative recycling technologies to comprehensive waste reduction strategies, businesses with a commitment to green initiatives help communities transition towards more sustainable living.