2020-05-27 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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b. Discussion on possible funding mechanisms for the Solid Waste Division to improve the quality of services. Commissioner Adams recommended the commissioners peruse the Solid Waste Advisory Committee’s recommendations in the Solid Waste Management Plan. Right now, DEM makes money from the tipping fees and some from the General Fund and property tax. The ideal would be to have a good mechanism to use financial incentive to reduce waste. Most citizens have no clue how much it really costs to dispose of the waste they generate. Commissioner Cardwell said she would like to have a discussion on the possibility of having a tourism tax or some way to make money from the trash generated by the tourism industry. It may be worth exploring. Commissioner Pequeño said that could be a part of this agenda item, which he would table to the next meeting since they needed Director Kucharski to be present. c. Discussion on the recommendations in the draft 2019 Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan Update. Commissioner Adams said the Solid Waste Advisory Committee had 82 recommendations in the SWMP. One of the reasons she wanted to be a commissioner is to hold DEM’s feet to the fire to follow through on the recommendations. Director Kucharski was to report to them on the status of following the recommendations. Commissioner Cardwell said there has been a lot more trash on the road lately, which is why she is in support of curbside pick-up. Although it would be difficult in a lot of places, it should work in Hawaiian Paradise Park, which is a grid, and it would drastically reduce the amount of road trash. Commissioner Adams said DEM is facing staffing challenges in having enough people to just keep the transfer stations open. The SWAC did talk about curbside collection and pay-as- you-throw, both of which have various challenges. The idea is that trash and recycling need to be made very easy. Chair Pequeño said they would table this item until their next meeting, when Director Kucharski could be present. 7. REPORTS/CORRESPONDENCE Chair Pequeño said Director Kucharski had sent him informal updates since he couldn’t attend the meeting, so he would read them off. (1) Status of the Pāhala and Nāālehu Wastewater Treatment Plantsʻ: The Pāhala EA FONSI is final, and work is commencing on the land purchase and AOC 8