2019-05-22 Meeting Minutes (EMC)

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• Status of the polystyrene ordinance: Yesterday he received a communication from Councilmember Richards on Bill 74, which proposes definitional changes to the polystyrene ordinance. There is be no change in the date when polystyrene is banned. However, when the original bill was written, it was believed a compost facility would be available, and this has not happened. Bill 74 recognizes this and changes some definitions to accommodate new circumstances. He is going to recommend a slight change in the definition of recyclables. Because the polystyrene ban starts on July 1, 2019, there is a time crunch to have two readings of the bill before then. Therefore, he asked the EMC to provide their recommendation on the bill for the record, so it can proceed quickly to the full County Council. Roy Kadota, who was watching the proceedings, asked if he could speak, and Chair Bennett allowed him to do so. Mr. Kadota said he is from Mr. K’s recycling down the street, and his brother has a drive-in business next door. He was told by DEM’s recycling section that the only plastics they can use are #1 and #2, but everybody has been buying #5. Director Kucharski said the purpose of Bill 74 is to fix the problem by deleting that requirement, and the intent is to have it done before July 1, when the polystyrene ban takes effect. He said he could speak with Mr. Kadota after the meeting to fill him in. Chair Bennett said a motion by the commission would give the best support. Motion, second, and vote: Commissioner Gaffney moved that the EMC agrees with the language of the ordinance as modified, Commissioner Pequeño seconded the motion, and all commissioners voted aye. Director Kucharski continued with his report. • Status of the Kealakehe WWTP R-1 Upgrade Project: A grant proposal has been submitted to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. The cost of the project is about $90 million, so a grant would be very appreciated. Getting the system online may be delayed, depending on the EIS process and Section 106 review. • Status of proposed bill regarding the EMC’s 45-day review period of legislation: He drafted a bill and forwarded it to Corporation Counsel for review. It has been sent to Councilmember Richards with a request that he sponsor and move it forward. • Authority to require private laterals to correct high inflow and infiltration: State legislation now allows this, but permission for the DEM to do so is not yet in the Hawaiʻi County Code, so County Council action will be needed. His main concern is intrusion from hotels rather than homes. 8