2015-03-25 Environmental Management Commission Minutes

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District 5: Osborne reports that the residents of Pahoa are thrilled to have the transfer station open again. District 6: Lee reported that the Volcano Transfer Station work is ongoing. District 9:Warner noted that green waste collection is needed in Waimea and Hawi. 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS -None 7. NEW BUSINESS Presentation by Angela Kang regarding the outcomes from the March 9th and 10th,2015 Hawaii Zero Waste Alliance/Zero Waste USA meetings relating to initiatives/projects and developing strategies for a statewide approach for sustainable resource management Postponed per request of Presenter. Presentation/Discussion of solid waste management, composting and current recycling/ diversion issues to include Councilmember Margaret Wille Noah Dodd HPA Zero Waste Pumpkin Patch Event: - Recycling Bins: Industry standard(needed for consistent recycling); supplied by a grant from the school PTA and Recycle Hawaii and fundraising efforts - The event: 10 Stations manned; 10,000 people attended; 900 lbs. of resources was discarded; out of the 900 lbs., 600 lbs. was compost, HIS was 100 lbs. 10%of what was collected went to the landfill,making the diversion ratio 89.9%. New Business Sector Concept: - Progressive Universities and charter schools teaching waste based education standards that people will come from around the world to learn here in Hawai`i. - It will also make more jobs thereby increasing spending here. - Get world renowned facilities working with education divisions in universities and schools— show that there are passionate leaders in these agencies who are willing to invest in that long term goal. - Arcata, California Wastewater Treatment Plant and Wildlife Sanctuary is a good example of what can be done with wastewater by using a marsh system with micro organisms. A system like this allows for environmental management staff and biologists positions to be added to the regular staff. - Zero Waste can bring more money here if we show the world what we can do and it will bring in more jobs. - Shredded cardboard and paper can be used in composting. - If entrepreneurial agencies, along with private organizations like the Sierra Club, see schools and educational facilities stepping up with zero waste programs, they will support these good efforts. - Suggests the recycling bins at the transfer stations are identified by uniform color coding. - Raising funds by selling composting was discussed in relation to regulations. Sam Robinson - The bins are taken to the Farmers Markets in Waimea also. - The tourists are very interested in this system and ask questions to take infoniiation back to their homes. They indicated that the resorts do not provide recycling bins/information. - It would be beneficial to agro-tourism and eco-tourism to have more recycling opportunities. County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.