Big Island county offices and transfer stations closed for MLK Day

Hawaii County announced that county offices will be closed and all solid waste facilities, including transfer stations and the landfill, will not operate on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, observed Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. The closure affects routine county services and disposal options for residents across the island.

The announcement was part of a statewide schedule of government and public-service operating hours released earlier this month. That statewide rundown also details operating notes for other counties, state offices, courts, libraries, transit and additional public services so Big Island residents can coordinate errands and appointments around the holiday.

For Big Island households and businesses, the most immediate impact will be on disposal plans. With transfer stations and the landfill closed, residents who typically drop off household trash, green waste or bulky items on a weekday will need to delay their trips or make arrangements before the holiday. Commercial haulers operating on county schedules should confirm pickup plans with their contractors or customers, as county facility closures can affect routing and acceptance of material.

Closure of county offices means in-person services such as permitting, records requests and zoning transactions will be unavailable on the holiday. Residents with time-sensitive county business should complete transactions in advance or prepare for processing after the holiday. While the county closure covers administrative functions, essential emergency services will continue to operate; residents should rely on established emergency contacts as needed.

The statewide schedule includes notes on state offices, courts, libraries and transit that may also affect Big Island travel and access to services. Courts and state administrative offices often follow observed holiday calendars, and public transit agencies sometimes operate on a reduced or modified schedule for holidays. Library closures can interrupt planned returns or holds, so borrowers should check due dates to avoid fines or use online resources where available.

Planning ahead will help households avoid disruptions. Confirm landfill and transfer station schedules, secure necessary permits or paperwork before Jan. 20, and verify any appointments with county or state offices. For those who rely on public transit or need court services, check agency websites or social media feeds for specific holiday schedules and post-holiday resumption times.

As the holiday approaches, residents should expect county and many state services to resume normal operations on the next regular business day. Reviewing schedules now will reduce last-minute surprises and help Big Island residents manage waste disposal and county business without delay.