Laserfiche WebLink
REPORT OF THE <br />COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT <br />DATE: May 3, 2016 Re: Comm. No. 664/13iII No. 140 <br />PLACE: Council Chambers <br />Hilo, Hawaii <br />TIME: 3:30 p.m. <br />Council Chair and Members <br />Hawaii County Council <br />Hilo, HI 96720 <br />Your Committee on Environmental Management, to which was referred Bill No. 140, reports as <br />follows: <br />Bill No. 140, transmitted by Council Member Margaret Wille, via Communication No. 664, <br />dated January 28, 2016, amends Chapter 20 of the Hawaii County Code 1983 (2005 Edition, as <br />amended), by adding a new article relating to reduction of polystyrene foam "styrofoam" food <br />containers and food service ware. <br />On February 16, 2016. there were about 26 people who testified at the meeting, including a video <br />presentation by students from schools in Waimea. Most spoke in support of this bill. <br />Ms. Wille expressed her thoughts regarding this bill, including the problems of polystyrene <br />foam, its effects on marine animals and human health and asked for support. <br />Ms. Eoff, Ms. David and Ms. Poindexter all spoke in favor of this bill. Mr. Chung and Mr. <br />Paleka shared their concerns. Mr. Chung suggested more education and to work with business <br />After discussion, the committee voted to refer Bill 140 to the Department of Environmental <br />Management Director and the Environmental Management Commission for their review and <br />recommendation. <br />On March 24, 2016, the Environmental Management Commission responded via <br />Communication No. 664.48, which stated its meeting that was scheduled within the 45 -day <br />deadline was cancelled due to lack of quorum. According to County Code section 2-207, such <br />inaction shall be considered a negative recommendation. <br />On April 1.2016, the Director of the Department of Environmental Management provided her <br />review and recommendation via Communication No. 664.48. <br />On May 12016, there were over 40 people who testified at the meeting, including the <br />Environmental Management Director front Washington, D.C. He was called up later to explain <br />their ordinance. <br />Director Leithead-Todd was also called up to explain her proposed amendments, concerns and <br />answered questions. she said the commission would also like to review the amendments and that <br />it will be on the next commission meeting. <br />EMC Report No. 6 <br />