2012-07-25 Minutes Environmental Management Commission

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o The Pacific Biodiesel facilities and processing plants o The scope and information regarding the new Big Island Biodiesel plant in Shipman Industrial Center o The Biofuel Crop Demo Project on Oahu Presentation by Recycle Hawaii relating to the $100,000 Department of Health a -waste funding and how it can be spent effectively to address a -waste recycling • Paul Buklarewicz, Executive Director, indicated that they were unaware of the RFP when they asked to be on the agenda. • In 2010, a -waste disposal consisted of computers and computer components. • In 2011, TVs were added. • There is no microwave recycling. • There is no recycling of e -waste on the island -- only collection and shipping. Recycling of a -waste is not feasible on the island. • Suggestions: o Use the $100,000 State grant for diversion credit for a -waste collectors o Repeal the current State law which is flawed and implement a new one which does away with mail -back as the only option o Recycle Hawaii supports a -waste recycling and DEM efforts. • Mr. Buklarewicz introduced Keith Fukunage, an employee of Mr.K's Recycling, who read a letter from Roy Kadota, owner of Mr. K's (attached to original minutes), requesting assistance and support from the county with diversion funding. Ordinance amending Hawaii County Code Ch.2, Art. 40, Section 2 -207 specifying that Environmental Management Commission (EMC) advisory powers cover solid waste and wastewater programs and pilot projects, and adding that any comments /recommendations on these matters be forwarded to the council. Also adding that EMC and Director shall each submit to the council comments and recommendations on all legislation relating to the department of Environmental Management (attached to the original minutes) (TAKEN OUT OF ORDER AT THE REQUEST OF COUNCIL MEMBER SMART) • Council member Smart offered the following comments: • She is requesting the commission to be more pro - active and advise the department more on the department budget. • The bills being introduced relating to the department should come to the commission first and then to council with the commission's recommendations. • She wants the commission to increase their meetings to monthly. • SECTION 4. Effective date of the ordinance will be amended. • Logistics of how the commission will receive the documents and communicate with the council was discussed. Meeting Schedule -- Discussion and Action on increasing the number of meetings held each year • Options for increasing the number of meetings annually were discussed. o Hold a Special Meeting in August to review and provide input on the Plastic Bag Administrative Rules. Commissioner Randle made a motion to meet in August and review the Plastic Bag Administrative Rules. Lee seconded the motion. After further discussion, it was determined that the draft would probably not be ready for review at an August meeting and the motion failed with Lee, Randle and Warner voting for, and Lim and Nahm -Miyo voting against. It was decided to agendize the Admin Rules for the September meeting.