COM 0099.000 2008-2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The Potential of Zero Waste Resource management methods proposed in this report -reuse, recycling, composting, and special discards management, among others -represent increased job creation and economic growth in sectors more stable, and sustainable, than tourism. Further, on-island organic resource management possesses the potential to increase both employment opportunities and ensure a local, healthier food supply for Hawaii residents. Sustainable farming enhanced through use of mulches and soil amendments, and created from Hawai'i's own organic discards, can also help advance agritourism, a new, dynamic, rapidly growing business on both the island and worldwide. Zero Waste is an ambitious but important endeavor. No single strategy will result in success, and each community must carve its own path, cognizant of and willing to work within its existing political environment, financial boundaries, and legislative systems. The next step down the path to Zero will be the development of an Integrated Resource Management Plan that will include detailed timetables and economic analyses required to implement this Zero Waste Plan. By utilizing various strategies identified in this document, developing supportive partnerships, and remaining dedicated to the long-term goal of Zero Waste, Hawaii will become one of the most sustainable regions in the nation. The forward-thinking management of discards generated from products produced on the island or imported from the mainland or other countries outlined in this report represent job creation and economic stimulation that would not be achieved through landfilling or incineration. Zero Waste involves mindfulness of the triple bottom line: Profit, people and the environment. A Zero Waste system encompasses economic growth and sustainability, a strengthening of community and social endowment, and enhancement of both local and global environmental quality. All are considered and included in the recommendations in the report. Scope of Work The Hawaii County Council recently rejected the implementation of a waste incineration plant due to its high cost. Consultants Recycle Hawaii and Richard Anthony Associates (RAA) were hired by the County to gather input from island residents and businesses and combine this stakeholder input with consultants' extensive knowledge of resource management policy and programs to assess the feasibility and viability of a Zero Waste strategy for the island. The County's resolution "to Embrace and Adopt the Principles of Zero Waste as a Long-Term Goal for Hawaii County" is a forward-thinking first step for the island, and prompted development of this report. The goal of the consultant's proposed Zero Waste program is to transform the existing philosophy of "managing solid waste" into a "resource management" paradigm. In addition to increased economic growth and job creation, Zero Waste programs have shown to reduce disposal costs and overhead for businesses, improve employee morale and loyalty to their employers, enhance community ties, and improve the local environment. Recycle Hawaii and RAA obtained public and private sector input through a series of meetings throughout the County. Several hundred stakeholders from government, business and residential sectors attended the meetings, which proved to be informative as well as inspirational. Next Steps... Development, vetting and passage the new rules, including more detailed economic analysis and a funding plan. Specific program implementation measures and budgets, job descriptions, education/training protocols, and stakeholder committee establishment should be included in this next stage of work.