Report a Complaint or Illegal Dumping

How to Report a Release/Spill

The owner or operator of a facility or vessel must immediately notify the Hawaiʻi State Emergency Response Commission (HSERC) (through the HEER Office) and the appropriate Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) if there is a release into the environment of a hazardous substance that is equal to or exceeds the minimum reportable quantity in any 24-hour period as set forth in the regulations.

Contact Us

Submit a contact request to register a complaint, report illegal dumping, or ask general questions.

Waste Generator Responsibility

The law requires you to dispose of solid waste only at recycling or disposal facilities permitted by the Department of Health. “Solid waste” includes municipal refuse, construction and demolition waste, household waste, tires, car batteries, derelict vehicles, green wastes, furniture, and appliances. Illegal dumping of solid waste or allowing illegal disposal of solid waste on your property even if  contractual or other arrangements are made could subject you to fines from $10,000 to $25,000 per occurrence and could lead to felony prosecution in accordance with Chapter 342H, HRS.

Why is Illegal Dumping a Problem?

  • Environmental pollution – Illegal dumping can contaminate the soil, water, and air. It can also pollute ecosystems and contribute to water-borne diseases like cholera.
  • Health hazards – Illegal dumps can be dangerous to people who come into contact with chemicals, sharp edges, or nails. They can also attract rodents and insects, such as mosquitoes that breed in the stagnant water of illegally dumped tires. 
  • Flooding – Illegal dumping can block water drains, culverts, and creeks, making areas more susceptible to flooding.
  • Decreased property values – Illegal dumping can decrease property values.
  • Community quality of life – Lack of community spaces can negatively impact the quality of life for community members, especially those who rely on these spaces for physical and mental well-being.
  • Economic impact – Dealing with illegal dumping can be expensive and tedious, and complaints often come in faster than they can be addressed.
  • Illegal dumping is widespread Research shows that illegal dumping is widespread in low-income neighborhoods. 

How do you prevent Illegal Dumping

Property owners: post signs, install security lighting, build barriers like fences, and landscaping to discourage illegal dumping on their property.

Contractors: Be wary of low bids, look for a line item for “waste removal”, require subcontractors to deliver any waste they generate to a permitted solid waste disposal or recycling facility and require receipts to prove it was disposed of properly.

For more information on illegal dumping and how to prevent it, refer to our Illegal Dumping Fact Sheet (May 2023).

Property Owner Responsibility

You are responsible for the proper removal of residential, commercial and industrial solid waste to permitted disposal or recycling facilities. (HRS Chapter 342H)
Fines may be levied on the generator of the waste, even if they hired someone else to dispose the waste.

  • Everyone is responsible for properly removing solid wastes to facilities permitted by the Department of Health.
  • Anyone including property owners, lessees, contractors and waste haulers may be subject to administrative, civil or criminal penalties and held responsible for property cleanup.
  • Illegal dumpers may be subject to enforcement action and administrative and civil penalties of up to $10,000/day for each offense (HRS §342H-9).
  • Those who knowingly dispose of solid waste equal to or greater than one cubic yard and less than ten cubic yards may be subject to criminal penalties of up to $25,000/day for each offense (HRS §342H-39).
  • It is a class C felony offense to knowingly dispose of solid waste equal to or greater than ten cubic yards anywhere other than a permitted solid waste management system without the written approval of the Director of the Department of Health (HRS §342H-37).
  • Each day of violation is a separate offense.

You are also responsible for being aware of potential hazardous wastes or contaminants that may be within the commercial and industrial waste materials.