WAILUKU >> An "active fertile colony" of fungus known to cause respiratory problems and death in some instances has been discovered in the Maui County building that was evacuated in February. Dangerous fungus
found in Maui buildingMaui to automate trash pickups
By Gary T. Kubota
Star-BulletinThe colony of "stachybotrys sp." was found on the surface of a water-stained ceiling tile near lockers in the electrical area of the Kalana Pukui Building.
Some 80 planning and public works employees were evacuated from the building on Feb. 20 after several complained of eye irritation. One person said he had respiratory problems.
Earlier this month, state health inspectors concluded that the eye irritation may have been caused by fumes from new paint in the air duct.
County spokeswoman Karlynn Kawahara said the fungus, which has been removed, was found on the surface and did not turn up in air samples.
She said the fungus could be harmful, especially if inhaled by the elderly, the young or those with auto-immune problems.
Kawahara said that according to information provided to the county, horses have died after eating hay containing the fungus. During an inspection yesterday, she said, mold was found on the ceiling of the planning director's office and in the geographical information systems room. She said a consultant will determine the contents of the mold before a method of approval is implemented.
She said the test for the mold will probably take about 10 days and push back reopening the building.
WAILUKU >> Maui County and the United Public Workers union have agreed to automating trash pickup services. Maui to automate
trash pickupsBy Gary T. Kubota
Star-BulletinMayor James "Kimo" Apana said the agreement calls for starting a pilot route in Kahului sometime in July 2002.
The method of pickup would be similar to the way trash is collected on Oahu, with the driver using an automated system to pick up and empty standardized containers.
The county now employs 13 crew leaders who drive trucks and 30 refuse collectors. Usually, two refuse collectors ride on the back of the truck and empty trash from containers of various sizes.
Some County Council members have indicated they support the concept and note that Lanai has been doing automated trash pickups for nearly 10 years.
Councilman Alan Arakawa said he thinks the county should have been automated years ago, and wants to see the implementation done more quickly.
"If it's already proven, what are we doing dinking around?"
The mayor and union plan to hold a news conference at noon Monday to discuss details of the agreement.
Apana said equipment operators will be receiving a little more money, but the work will occur under the existing union contract.
"As we start operation, we would start upgrading them to a higher level," he said.
He said the cost of the automated truck is 20 percent to 25 percent more than the trucks now being used, but he expects the county to experience savings from assigning only one person to a truck.
He said his administration believes it can do more for the same amount of money because of automation and will be reallocating resources to start curbside pickup of green waste and recyclables.
Apana said he envisions having two trash pickups in a week -- one for regular trash and another for recyclables and green waste.
"It's part of our commitment to run government more efficient," Apana said.
Under the plan, a 96-gallon trash container will be provided by the county to residents. Apana said residents will not be charged a separate fee for the trash cans outside of what they already pay for trash pickup.
Maui County
