Hazardous Waste Site Discovered On Leeward Coast

Federal and state investigators have uncovered what appears to be another "hazardous waste site" on the Leeward coast. This discovery comes the heels of a massive raid on an illegal dump earlier this week in Waianae.

Federal investigators draped red warning tape across the gate on the Haleahi property. A team of environmental agents and cleanup contractors spent the day checking out contents of about a half a dozen aging shipping containers.

Oil was observed leaking from one of the containers on the property, which borders a stream. State and federal officials aren’t sure what, if anything, may have gotten into the water.

The property owner agreed to give investigators access Saturday morning. City documents show the 10-acre agricultural lot is currently registered to Lily Galapon. It's not clear if the property is being subleased.

The initial inspection turned up a variety of potentially hazardous materials.

Neighbors suspect the area has been a dumping ground for potentially dangerous material that has long been buried.

Saturday, personnel from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) were focused on what they perceived was an immediate environmental threat.

Earlier this week, a joint team of law enforcement officers descended on Hakimo Road following a tip about illegal chemical dumping. Two were arrested in that raid. The investigation is ongoing.

Law enforcement agents hinted they are eyeing other possible dumps which threaten streams, oceans and drinking water.

Those who have information about a possible illegal dump are asked to call the EPA or the state health department.