HomeMy WebLinkAbout20210712DPWDEREK S.K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR
MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
News Release
For Immediate Release: July 12, 2021
COUNTY OF KAUA‘I
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
TROY TANIGAWA, ACTING COUNTY ENGINEER
(808) 241-4993
Fee for vehicle disposal waiver use to go into effect Aug. 2
LĪHU‘E – Beginning Monday, Aug. 2, a $60 (plus tax) fee will be required to dispose of vehicles
using a Waiver, Release, and Indemnity form. Other fees may be applicable. Please visit
www.kauai.gov/vehicledisposal for more information.
Residents can still dispose of their vehicles free of charge by properly junking their cars through
the Department of Motor Vehicles.
“To make an appointment to junk your vehicle, please visit www.kauai.gov/DMV. Appointment
slots are available to complete this service,” said Director of Finance Reiko Matsuyama. “This is a free
service providing that you can show proof of ownership. We do not collect any back taxes for anyone
junking a vehicle.”
A resident bringing in their completed junking affidavit to Puhi Metals will not be charged for
disposal. Vehicle disposal at Puhi Metals does not include towing or hauling the vehicle. Residents
should work with a licensed and permitted tow operator to transport their vehicle to Puhi Metals.
Businesses are not eligible for free vehicle disposal.
“The County created the waiver system for unusual circumstances such as illegal dumping on
private property or death of a family member where the title and other vehicle documentation was
difficult to attain. The expectation was that less than 5% of the vehicles would be disposed of using the
waiver, but now we’re seeing over 80% of Puhi Metals customers using it, and it’s very concerning,” said
Recycling Programs Coordinator Keola Aki. “There is a concern that businesses are claiming residential
exemptions, and that many residents are just leaning on the waiver system to bypass the paperwork
needed to dispose of a vehicle properly. This can be an issue, especially if a vehicle is stolen or
improperly disposed of by someone that doesn’t own the vehicle.”
The waiver fee covers the administrative cost to track and archive vehicle information properly.
For questions or concerns, please email solidwaste@kauai.gov or call 241-4841.
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