REP PWPC 085 01/15/1998 1996-1998

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~i~.~-..., 'i REPORT OF TI-~ COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS DATE: January 15, 1998 RE: COMM. NO. 655 /RESOLUTION NO. 209 PLACE: Councilroom TIME: 9:10 a.m. Chair and Members Hawaii County Council Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Your Committee on Public Works and Parks, to which was referred Communication No. 655, transmits Resolution No. 209, reports as follows: The purpose of Resolution No. 209 is a request to the Legislative Auditor's Office to conduct a limited scope performance review of the County of Hawaii's Glass Recycling and Diversion Program. The scope and objectives of the performance review shall include, but may not be limited to: (1) determine whether payments to the contractor for the glass diversion during the fiscal year 1997-1998 were made in accordance with the contract(s); (2) examine whether the Department of Public Works has taken adequate measures to assure that the Glass Recycling and Diversion Program's purpose and objectives have been met, particularly with respect to the legitimacy of the end-market entity and the re-use of the glass; and (3) evaluate the adequacy of the safeguazds which aze in place to monitor the terms of the contract. Communication No. 655 is from Councilmember Dominic Yagong, dated December 23, 1997, transmitting Resolution No. 209, which was drafted based upon the discussion that occurred at the December 2, 1997, Committee on Public Works and Parks meeting . Ms. Ululani Rosario, General Manager & Vice President of Recycling Systems Hawaii, Inc., who is the current contractor, submitted her testimony. Ms. Rosario clarified the Committee's concerns regarding the end-market use. A small portion of the glass has been made into planters, stepping stones, and decorative sculptures by Recycling Systems Hawaii, Inc. and marketed under the product name of "Hawaiian Cracked Glass." It has also been sold in bulk for landscaping, electrical and plumbing cushion, and road paving. Cottage industries like Wicked Wick Candles, Fantasy Gardens, and Peak Creations purchase processed glass to create products of their own, which is another way of using recycled glass.