PUBLIC NOTICE
Emergency Hazardous Waste Permit for
Treatment and Storage of Waste EV Batteries Issued to
Pacific Environmental Corp & County of Maui
The State of Hawai’i Department of Health (DOH), Solid and Hazardous Waste Branch issued a Hazardous Waste Emergency Permit in conformance with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and chapter 342J, Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS), to Pacific Environmental Corp (PENCO) and the County of Maui for the storage and treatment of waste EV batteries that were recovered from Ukumehame.
This permit is issued under the authority of 40 Code of Federal Regulations section 270.61, as incorporated and amended in chapter 11-270.1, Hawaii Administrative Rules, and chapter 342J, HRS. In the event that the Director of Health finds an imminent and substantial endangerment to human health and the environment, these rules allow for an issuance of a temporary emergency permit.
This permit allows PENCO and the County of Maui to mitigate the threat to human health and the environment, which may be caused by damaged waste EV batteries. The damaged waste EV batteries need to be treated and disposed of properly due to reactivity, ignitability, and fire potential and are deemed unsafe for transport overseas without the treatment.
This permit allows PENCO and the County of Maui to treat and store the waste EV batteries. The waste EV batteries are currently stored and will be treated at Ukumehame Mile Marker 3.5, Honoapiilani Highway at 20.804468°, -156.595414°, Lahaina with EPA ID# HIR000149054. The waste batteries will be de-energized and crushed, and the battery components will be oxidized. The waste will be monitored to ensure that all compounds or materials of concern are neutralized or destroyed. All waste will be tested and disposed of properly. Safety precautions will be in place to prevent harm to the public and the surrounding area. The Maui Fire Department will be notified of this situation.
This emergency hazardous waste permit shall be in effect from October 17, 2025, to January 15, 2026. If PENCO and the County of Maui need more time to complete these activities beyond the initial 90 days, they may request another permit from the DOH.
Inquiries regarding this permit should be directed to Ms. Rebekah Morales at shwb@doh.hawaii.gov or (808) 586-4226.
(SA1508617 10/20/25)
