Honolulu County, HI Hurricane Preparedness: Storm Debris (2026)

7(a) gives the director standing authority to waive 'the collection and disposal charges established by this article' in cases of natural or man-made disasters. Three features shape how the waiver actually works. First, it is discretionary, not automatic: the section says the director 'is authorized to' waive charges, so a disaster on Oahu does not by itself erase refuse fees; the director must act. Second, the duration is open-ended but purpose-bound: the waiver runs for 'a time period in which the director deems necessary to remove disaster debris,' tying its lifespan to the cleanup itself rather than to a fixed calendar limit.

Third, the trigger is broad: both natural and man-made disasters qualify. Subsection (b) defines the natural side with a list that fits Honolulu's actual hazard profile: fire, flood, tidal waves, hurricanes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, 'or other natural causes,' a catch-all that keeps the list from being exclusive. Man-made disasters are covered but not separately defined in this section. The director may also adopt implementing rules under HRS Chapter 91, which is where any detailed waiver procedures would appear. The section creates relief, not obligations: it removes the fee barrier so disaster debris can move to collection and disposal quickly, while ordinary refuse rules continue to apply on their own terms.