Blessing Marks First-Phase Completion of $14M Kapaa Refuse Transfer Station

A blessing ceremony was held Feb. 27, 2026 to mark the first-phase completion of the $14 million renovation of the Kapaʻa (Kapaa) Refuse Transfer Station, a project that began in November 2024 and will allow the facility to reopen in phases beginning March 12, initially accepting bagged trash and offering recycling for scrap metal, appliances, used oil, tires and propane tanks.

The renovation, contracted to WW Clyde, was designed to bring the Kapaa RTS into full compliance with State Department of Health regulations and the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. County materials say the work included installing modern stormwater management systems and modern leachate management systems, and constructing covered drop-off areas for green waste, refuse, white goods and scrap metal.

County officials say the phased reopening will expand services as remaining improvements are completed. Services for loose mixed waste and green waste are slated to be introduced later in the schedule; the green waste service timeline is tied to the closure of the facility’s lower green waste area, and an announcement will be made prior to that change.

Operational rules tied to the reopening were outlined by the Kauaʻi County Department of Public Works Solid Waste Division. A new 6-foot size limit will apply to scrap metal and green waste to ensure safe loading and handling; the 6-foot limit for scrap metal takes effect on March 12, while the 6-foot limit for green waste will take effect once the lower green waste area closes and the county issues an announcement. In addition, the Solid Waste Division is updating trailer size limits at all refuse transfer stations: trailers must not exceed 5 feet wide by 2 feet high by 8 feet long.

The blessing was officiated by cultural practitioner Troy Lazaro and drew Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami, members of the Kauaʻi County Council, county Public Works Solid Waste Division staff and project contractors from WW Clyde. County of Kauai photos accompanying the event show attendees and officials; captions provided by the county read, "Crowd gathers at the Kapa’a Refuse Transfer Station for a blessing," "Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami addresses the crowd at the blessing ceremony," and "Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami and Public Works Solid Waste Division Chief Allison Fraley untie the lei at the blessing ceremony."

With the first phase complete, the county is preparing to manage a phased return to service at the Kapaa RTS. The Solid Waste Division’s stated changes mean residents bringing scrap metal must comply with the new 6-foot rule beginning March 12, and the county says it will notify the public in advance when the green waste size limit takes effect as remaining construction is finished.