2015-08-26 Environmental Management Commission Minutes

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SOLID WASTE DIVISION - Funding earmarked for the Hilo Reuse Center was redirected to the transfer of mulch from Hilo to Kona to remain in compliance with the DOH permit relating to quantity limitations. The Director indicated the hope that the reuse center can be opened by the end of the year. - Green waste disposal is planned for Waimea Transfer Station once the DOH permit is approved and received. Bins have been ordered and a site identified. - The following concerns were noted regarding curbside rubbish pick-up: o Union issues relating to work done by county employees vs.private companies; o Putting private haulers out of business;politically there is a reluctance to compete with the private sector; o Large increase in budget: • Hiring of additional staff • Purchasing additional equipment o It is not easy to implement fees to cover all residents and businesses. • Commission Member District Update Reports—includes information obtained from meetings with council members and district residents since the last commission meeting District 2: Commissioner Randle met with Councilmember Poindexter on the the subject of used motor oil disposal. 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS, Update and discussion on Bill 33: An Ordinance Amending Chapter 2,Article 40, Section 2- 202; Chapter 20,Article 3, Sections 20-31,20-35, and 20-36; and Chapter 20,Article 5, of the Hawaii County Code 1983 (2005 edition, as Amended),Relating to Refuse—Councilmember Margaret Wille (attached to original minutes). - Chair Randle provided a draft response to begin discussion(attached to original minutes). - Director indicated the department's issues with the Bill and will be providing her comments directly to the council. - Director Leithead Todd will prepare and distribute a questionnaire along with Bill 33,to all commercial haulers to obtain their input. Both the Director comments to council and the questionnaire and hauler responses will be provided to the Commission. - Following additional discussion, Commissioner Osborne made a motion that the commission submit a response of support for the intent of the bill but recommend bifurcation of the bill to address each item separately and further evaluation of the financial impact to the Department of Environmental Management and Commercial Haulers. Commissioner Nahm-Mijo seconded the motion and motion passed unanimously with members present: Fear, Fritz,Nahm-Mijo,Neff,Osborne and Randle voting yes. 7. NEW BUSINESS Update and Discussion on Organics Diversion RFP - DEM issued RFP 3298 that provides for additional services to treat invasive species before mulch is distributed and includes acceptance of other organic materials, food,paper and compostable plastics. - It requires in-vessel composting, creating a more valuable resource. - Acceptance of the other organic materials will increase the landfill diversion/recycling. - The department hopes to begin mulching in July and composting by 2017. - Bidders are welcome to submit alternative methods/sites. County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.