2014-05-28 Environmental Management Commission Minutes

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• Other Recycling Section Activities: 1. Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) — The next HHW collection events are tentatively scheduled for June 7, 2014 in Hilo and June 14, 2014 in Kealakehe. These are twice -a - year events at these locations. 2. Reuse Centers — Six (6) staffed Reuse Centers continue in operation at various recycling & transfer stations. A new reuse center is planned for Hilo dependent on necessary site improvements. A new newspaper reuse bin has been deployed at the Pahoa Reuse Center, newspaper donations will be used for agricultural packing material. The commissioners asked the name of the contractor. 3. Electronics Recycling —The County will continue its current monthly electronics recycling at four (4) recycling and transfer stations and the DOH has provided grant funds up to $100K for FY 2014. County plans procurement of electronics recycling per Mayor's directive with option for operating private -site collections/recycling. 4. Plastic Bag Reduction Ordinance Education & Outreach — The department has been educating the public and businesses about the second phase of the ordinance effective 1/17/2014. This included a now -concluded series of radio and newspaper ads, direct outreach and updating posters provided to retailers and businesses. Retail/supermarket surveys continue to show public adapting to law and using reusable shopping bags. Backyard Composting Workshops: As part of recycling education and to increase organics landfill diversion, County -sponsored workshops are provided by Recycle Hawaii island wide. Check our website for upcoming workshops at Participants will learn about backyard composting, vermicomposting and includes a composting bin for those who attend the complete session. Professional Services procurement for new Recycling Education contract is underway with option to continue workshops and to distribute Earth Machines. 6. School Recyclin Tours: ours: April and May continued to be busy months with many scheduled school tours of recycling facilities before the end of the school year. These tours are helpful in educating the next generation on recycling and sustainability. • HR Issues: The Recycling Specialist II based in West Hawaii resigned effective 6/28/13. This position has been reallocated to an Environmental Specialist position. Commission Member District Update Reports — includes information obtained from meetings with council members and district residents since the last commission meeting: - District 2: Council Chair Yoshimoto requests to be kept informed regarding the waste reduction technology RFP. - District 6: Chair Lee is interested in viewing the WWTP site when it is chosen in Pahala. - District 8: Commissioner Fear reported that an electric vehicle charging station will be opened at the Mauna Lani on July 6t'. 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Update on the State Department of Education's (DOE) recycling efforts - A progress report was prepared by the Recycling Section and handed out to the commissioners (attached to the original minutes). - The commissioners wanted to thank the Recycling Section for the detailed information. County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.