2016-10-26 Environmental Management Commission Minutes

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o Our composting contract of 10 years could be affected by competition for green waste and compostables from companies doing other forms of solid waste diversion programs. o Legislation specific to non-use of styrofoam at county facilities is being introduced at council. This legislation also includes an education component. - All future procurements will include an education component to be provided by the contractor. - Advanced Disposal Fees were discussed as incentives to be considered by the department to be offered to residents on recycling efforts. - The State has reduced funding for recycling services. - The department will provide transition reports to the new administration to include current status of projects, budget and wish lists. - The commission discussed providing a letter to the new mayor requesting consideration for reinstatement/increase of the education funds removed from the budget. - Commissioner Osborne made a motion to provide a letter to the new mayor urging reinstatement/increase of the education funds that were removed from the Solid Waste budget. Commissioner Nahm-Mijo seconded and the motion passed unanimously with those present, Commissioners Fritz, Bennett, Fear,Nahm-Mijo and Osborne voting yes. Commissioner Bennett made a friendly amendment to include in the letter a request that R&D to look at opportunities for synergy with other entities that are currently active in this island. After further discussion identifying this as a different issue, Commissioner Bennett withdrew his amendment. The Director agreed to draft a letter for the commissioner's review/approval at the next meeting. Review and Discussion of draft letter to the State Legislators regarding monitoring, detecting and enforcing repairs to laterals on private property that impacts the integrity of the sewer system; and a solution-based offering of extending the DOH tax credit to assist more people living near shoreline to convert from cesspools to other types of wastewater disposal. (attached to original minutes). - Commissioner Osborne made a motion to approve the letter with the following changes: - Correct spelling of Representative San Buenaventura's name - Change second sentence to read "The County regularly inspects its own lies within the public right-of-way for any cracked or broken pipes and then repairs those pipes. - Change second sentence on page 2 to add the word "setback" between "shoreline" and "requirement" and add "conversion" of cesspools to septic or connection.... - In the same paragraph, add the word "objective" between "upon" and "risk to near shore waters." Commissioner Fear seconded the motion and it passed unanimously with those present, Commissioners Fritz, Bennett, Fear,Nahm-Mijo and Osborne voting yes. 7. CORRESPONDENCE/REPORTS/DISCUSSION: - Director's Report(attached to original minutes): - The Director added that the Hilo site improvements procurement has been initiated and completion of construction of the Hilo Reuse Center is anticipated in early 2017. - The Solid Waste Division is accepting tires through November 30, 2016 at the seven transfer stations that are 7 day/week operations. - Commission Member District Update Reports: District 5: Commissioner Osborne reminded the commission of the Pahoa District Park Grand Opening on Saturday, October 29, 2016. District 8: Commissioner Fear asked about trucks hauling green waste to Kealakehe. - The Director noted that trucks carry the green waste dumped by residents at Kealakehe TS to West Hawai`i Organics Facility(WHOF) to be mulched. Mulch is then transported back to Kealakehe for free residential pick-up when there is an abundance at the WHOF. County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer