HILO, Hawaii – As Hawaii County government continues its dialogue with the community over the planned East Hawaii Organics Facility, Terri Napeahi continues to raise awareness over the larger environmental issue.

The contract is already signed for the $10.5 million enhanced mulching facility. Some members of the Pana’ewa community have voiced opposition to the project. They have expressed concern over how the facility – located close to homes in the Hawaiian Home Lands neighborhood – will impact their quality of life.

Pana’ewa and Keaukaha are already surrounded by industry, waste treatment and mass transit. Napeahi has been requesting a cumulative study on the impacts of the toxic inventory that surrounds the residential area.

Napeahi has been calling for community meetings and recording testimonies from area residents who feel their health has been compromised by pollution. She recently organized a series of sign waving events along Highway 11 by Walgreens. That’s where we interviewed her about the many issues her community deals with on a daily basis.

Napeahi also expressed hope that the Hilo Community Economic District, proposed through a bill in the state legislature, will be a benefit to her cause.