Public Comments and Responses to the IRSWMP (Appendix I) - 2009

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26. Comments About Pay as You Throw Trash Program (No Name), 10/20/09 There is no argument here that recycling is the correct course; however, I have read the recent 10/01/09 Honolulu Advertiser article, "Big Island Sees Trash as Revenue Source." The article suggests a new initiative where residents would have to pay $2 per bag of trash they drop off at the Island's Transfer station. The article stated that such an initiative would be a financial incentive for people to reduce their own waste and to help drive recycling and pay for the new additional services that will help the county move toward zero waste. Here are comments regarding this. If this incentive is implemented I fear that it will only discourage accessing the transfer stations at all and encourage random dumping of rubbish in abandoned areas by those without the ability to pay this fee. Has any study been done on the cost to the average household? In my family of 3 an average of 3 to 5 bags a week is not unusual ($6 to $10). My family could pay $520 per year. We simply don't want to encourage people to dump their rubbish out on our public or private roads. This is difficult to enforce and many private landowners are victimized when dumping occurs by others on their property. I believe there is more work to be done to encourage recycling but restricting access to the transfer station to those who can pay isn't the solution. Open access to the transfer station with behavior rules on what behavior is correct when you go there is the best way to go. News Article Attached: "Big Isle sees trash as revenue source. ", by Chelsea Jensen, West Hawaii Today. Response: Please see the first paragraph of the response to comment 20 above. 27. David Yamakawa, 10/21/09 There are people who are unwilling and/or unable to pay the $2.00 per bag that is suggested. So instead they will dump their rubbish wherever they can, as long as they can get away with it, and we will need to hire workers and purchase trash trucks to pick up their rubbish. In the meantime, where they dump their rubbish will become an unsightly mess to look at. Also, who will determine how much to charge for rubbish that can not fit in a bag, for example a sofa, or old broken chairs? Sorry you are just opening a "can of worms," it does not seem there was much thought put into this $2.00 a bag suggestion. Response: Please see the first paragraph of the response to comment 20 above. The PAYT system envisions a "tag" system for bulky goods. Tags would be sold along with bags and local retail outlets. 28. William C. Sargent, 10/14/09 I had given up writing letters as our politicians on this island seem not to care about what is logical and don't listen to anyone, but on this issue I feel I must speak out. The idea of charging for trash disposal will cost more than they can take in and it will devastate our PUBLIC COMMENTS AND RESPONSES APPENDIX IDOC 15