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PCIA-8 Page 2 June 4,2024 <br /> Committee Member Jennifer Kagiwada requested clarification from the department on why <br /> legislative action was necessary for this issue, expressing a preference for different approaches to <br /> address the matter. <br /> Director Mansour explained that while the amount of waste has stayed steady, increasing <br /> • operational days would raise labor costs significantly. He mentioned an ongoing analysis to <br /> make operations more efficient and adapt to changes in technology, noting that this study, set to <br /> be completed in October, would inform decisions about additional operational days. Though he <br /> expressed a willingness to adjust operations,he emphasized the importance of collecting data for <br /> implementing such changes. <br /> Committee Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder acknowledged the department's concerns, particularly <br /> • regarding financial constraints,but affirmed his support for the legislation, emphasizing its <br /> potential as a significant benefit for the community. <br /> Corporation Counsel Diana Mellon-Lacey highlighted the importance of maintaining the <br /> separation of powers outlined in the Charter, cautioning against eroding the legal system by <br /> legislating solutions to operational issues typically managed by executive departments. She <br /> emphasized the value of community input and dialogue in addressing concerns rather than <br /> enacting specific mandates regarding operational days and times. Additionally, Corporation <br /> Counsel noted potential budgetary constraints and suggested that alternative funding sources <br /> may be necessary. While acknowledging the significance of the issue, she expressed reservations <br /> about the legislative approach. <br /> Member Kierkiewicz stressed that introducing the bill was a last resort due to years of unfulfilled <br /> promises to improve waste services despite community concerns. She mentioned exploring the <br /> use of existing funds and past surpluses to cover the cost of additional service days. Expressing <br /> frustration with the lack of action, she emphasized that it's the council's role to set policy and <br /> direct departments. She sought confirmation from Finance Director Diane Nakagawa about using <br /> current funds and the possibility of budget adjustments if needed. Director Nakagawa confirmed <br /> their willingness to cooperate and find funding solutions if the bill passes. <br /> Committee Member Heather Kimball highlighted the importance of wording in the bill to avoid <br /> encroaching on the separation of powers, clarifying that it sets a policy rather than a directive for <br /> • waste transfer station operation. She emphasized that the department is tasked with <br /> implementing policy decisions and allocating funds accordingly, suggesting that operational <br /> adjustments to meet the minimum two-day requirement can be made without necessitating a <br /> budget amendment. She expressed support for the bill,viewing it as a policy decision within the <br /> council's purview. <br /> Committee Member Lee Loy praised the bill for its clarity and potential impact, expressing <br /> • support for the idea of extending the minimum operating days to three or four to ensure <br /> consistency across all transfer stations. She emphasized the bill's responsiveness to community <br /> frustration and the importance of taking action. She commended the bill's maker for making the <br /> issue actionable and indicated her support for the bill based on its ability to address community <br /> concerns effectively. <br /> PCIA Report No. 8 <br />