Inadequate Maintenance and Security at Water Wells in Maui, HI: Asbestos Pipes, Other Debris Dumped at Site

On July 28, 2009, The Maui News reported that an investigation was underway regarding issues at a Maui, HI water well site. A lack of adequate oversight and security has caused the site to be overrun with waste, including asbestos pipe debris.

An area resident took a number of photos of the site and sent them to city leaders and the local media. The photos indicated that rusted chain link fencing had been removed, and the site was overrun with weeds. A significant amount of debris had been abandoned at the site, including a flatbed truck, broken pipes, hydrants, fittings, pump parts, electric panels, chunks of paving and gravel.

The site, which is managed by Maui County, is the location of two wells that provide approximately 17.8 percent of the island's water supply.

A spokesperson for the Maui Department of Water Supply (DWP) and Maui County leadership assured the public that the site would be cleaned up and steps would be taken to ensure that trespassers would not be able to gain access to the site. The DWP spokesperson also assured area residents that water from the site had not been affected, and the water meets all state and federal water quality standards.

Even short-term exposure to asbestos is known to cause serious illnesses such as mesothelioma cancer, asbestos-related lung cancer and asbestosis. Because the long latency period (the time between exposure and when symptoms first develop) is decades long, those exposed to asbestos in childhood or early adulthood may not develop symptoms of disease until they are reach middle age, or older.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos illness, contact our lawyers today for a free review of your case. A Weitz & Luxenberg representative will contact you as soon as possible.