2020-05-27 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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less money. A key recommendation in the Solid Waste Management Plan is to get out of that mode and instead work with Waste Management to come up with better ways to manage waste or turn it into resources. She would like the commissioners to think broadly and not just consider anything at high temperatures incineration. Commissioner Burns asked Commissioner Cardwell for clarification on the term incineration, and she responded that she includes pyrolysis and things like that in the term. At the presentation she attended, she learned none of these methods are good. Commissioner Burns said he was concerned about a blanket removal of discussion of all forms of potential gasification. Researchers are working on developing methodology that could be extremely clean in the future. Commissioner Cardwell said many people have been trying to grow their own food lately, which should be supported. She is concerned that some of the greenwaste facilities have been shut down during the pandemic. Commissioner Gaffney said DEM has been having staffing issues, but the primary greenwaste processing facility at Puʻuanahulu is open, functioning, and has massive piles of processed greenwaste available to citizens right now. Commissioner Cardwell said the waste composition study done years ago showed that 33% of the county’s waste is organic, which is a huge chunk. She would like to know the status of the composting facility that is to be built, as she has several questions about it. Commissioner Adams agreed that because the volume of organic waste is high, it should be focused on. A collection system is needed, and there are other issues. Chair Pequeño asked Councilmember Tim Richards, who was present, if he had information for them. Councilmember Richards said he has been informed the percentage of organic waste is closer to 50%. If half the waste stream were removed, it would have a great impact on the landfill. He likes the direction and tone of the commission’s conversation. Chair Pequeño said they could benefit from further discussion and research on incineration, reclamation of energy, and the capacity of the landfill. Commissioner Cardwell said there needs to be a shift in the current structure of dealing with waste—that if there is less waste, there is less money. Very little money was given for the zero waste plan written in 2009. If they are serious about moving to zero waste, funding has to be found. She wants clarification from the director about the solid waste fund and the contract with Business Services Hawaiʻi. She was unsure whether the commission had ever followed up 3 on the letter they were to send to the County Council about the recycling budget. 3 Note: On March 23, 2020, the commission sent a letter to Council Chair Aaron Chung, urging the Council to take measures to protect and enhance the County’s recycling budget. 3