The big argument at the last landfill site committee was whether to consider federally-owned sites and properties that are uphill from residential communities in the mix. In the end, the committee opted to re-add them, expanding the list from seven potential sites to be ranked to an undetermined higher number.

Today, we learned that four sites are back in the mix — two federally-owned and two that were uphill from communities. That leaves us with 11 sites to be ranked based on the 19 weighted criteria.

The consultant is having some trouble with his spreadsheet so the committee’s on break right now. But when we get back, we should get some rankings shortly. They’ll go to the mayor and the City Council, which will ultimately decide where the new landfill goes.

In related news, council member Tom Berg is here and says he’s ready to initiate a charter amendment that would have Leeward Oahu secede from the City and County of Honolulu. He just told me he’ll introduce that resolution today if the committee’s top-ranked site in his district. He’s not going to wait to see what the mayor does with the report.