2021-02-24 EMC Meeting Agenda and Director's Informational Report

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• Staff presentations to community organizations have been suspended due to COVID-19. • Out of the Sea Media Arts was developing education information focused on reducing food waste, Master Recycler Program, and update various promotional materials. • Out of the Sea has suspended work on Food Waste Reduction and the updating of various promotional materials due to lack of funding • Staff will continue to develop Master Recycler Composter Program — refocusing on utilizing web -based presentation tools such as Zoom / Web -Ex M. TIRE RECOVERY/RECYCLING EDUCATION AND OUTREACH: • SWD is in the process of drafting the final project DOH report. • The SWD will continue to provide educational support for this program. • More information is at: http://www.hawaiizerowaste.org/recycle/tires/. N. ENGAGE IN DIALOGUE WITH STATE DEPARTMENTS/LEGISLATORS AND COUNTIES ABOUT JOINT SOLUTIONS. Department drafted testimony supporting SB 587 to establish a tiered system for management of composting programs. Department drafted testimony supporting HB 856 HDI which clarifies that composting facilities are excluded from buffer zone requirements and establishes a class of artisan -scale composting operations. Department drafted testimony supporting HB 1316 which requires producers of packaging waste be responsible for the end -of -life management of their products in a way that ensures minimal social and environmental impacts. The intent of this measure shifts the responsibility for handling product and packaging waste and associated costs away solely from the taxpayers and back to those that profit from the sales of the goods. Department drafted testimony supporting SH 486 that establishes a class of artisan -scale composting operations. The Department agrees that the Act supports the local farmers while allowing more materials to be diverted from landfills. 5. DERELICT AND ABANDONED VEHICLE (DAV) PROGRAM DAV Program worked with Ka`u Police to remove 25 vehicles from South Point. DAV Program continues to assist the Police Traffic Services Section with the disposal of vehicles towed under Aliyah's Law and other traffic hazard tows. Towing and vehicle disposal contracts are in place island -wide: o Zone 1 Towing (N. and S. Hilo, Puna, and parts of Ka`u): Ken's Towing (6 -Month extension requested). o Zone 2 Towing (N. and S. Kona and parts of Ka`u): Diamond Auto Workz (6 -Month extension requested). o Zone 3 Towing (N. and S. Kohala and Hamakua): Diamond Auto Workz.