UPCOUNTRY MAUI, Hawaii — It’s an area known for its seemingly untouched natural beauty. However, a blight has been growing in a remote area of Kanaio. It’s been a dumping ground for abandoned vehicles.
Wednesday morning, two state Department of Land and Natural flatbed tow trucks made the first of what will be many journeys up along the winding highway to transport an estimated 175 derelict vehicles to a salvage yard.
Dubbed the “great Kanaio car clean-up,” DLNR organized the effort in coordination with Maui County, Maui Police, the tow company and DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife personnel, according to a DLNR press release.
“People have been abandoning vehicles in an area about ¼-mile off the pavement and it’s been happening for six-seven years,” said Daniel Ornellas, of DLNR via the release.
“We received multiple complaints from surrounding landowners. It’s going to take the better part of three weeks to get all the wrecks out of there.”
The release noted that seven DOFAW workers towed the vehicles, “one at a time, up a steep dirt road.” Twenty-five cars and trucks were “stockpiled” along the side of the road for the tow trucks to retrieve and deliver to the salvage yard.
The land being cleared will be transferred to DOFAW. “We wanted to get it cleaned up as we begin to consider how to restore it for conservation purposes, which could include public hunting,” said DOFAW wildlife biologist Shane De Mattos.
“Those decisions are down the road, but it’s good to see these eyesores removed to improve conditions for plants, wildlife and the environment overall.”
It’s estimated that the cost of the clean-up will top $300,000. Maui County and DLNR noted efforts are being made to construct barriers to prevent future dumping in the area.
“Going forward, if anyone abandons a vehicle here, we will take steps to identify the owners and hold them accountable,” De Mattos added.
Lianne Bidal Thompson is the digital producer for Spectrum News Hawaii. She writes about community and general news for Spectrum News Hawaii.
