2017-04-26 Environmental Management Commission Minutes

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of Na`alehu large capacity cesspools has been on the EMC agenda for more than a year, and there is still no decision. Also, the department is not communicating with the public; information could be included in the monthly bills. The department doesn't provide return envelopes along with the bills. 5. OLD BUSINESS a. Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant Dr. Bennett commented that Brown & Caldwell did a good presentation, but it was devoid of data. It's difficult for the commission to do a critical analysis without data. Also, can the soil model be modified, as there are issues with the phosphorous? Director Kucharski responded that this is at the preliminary design stage, and more vigorous testing will be done. b. Proper Disposal of Used Tires This remains a huge problem and eyesore. Tires left on the roadside is litter. Perhaps there should be more citations issued for littering, and an increase in fines. However, the reality is that littering is a low priority for the police. c. County Council Resolution 101-17, Authorizing the payment of funds of a multi-fiscal year agreement for furnishing greenwaste diversion operations in West Hawaii and East Hawaii, has been withdrawn. d. Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan: The updates to the Solid Waste Management Plan is due in July 2019. Ms. Osborne requests this be placed on a future agenda and the Solid Waste Division Chief provide a status update. 6. NEW BUSINESS a. Discussion with Mayor Harry Kim (taken out of order after Item #5a) • Mayor Kim thanked the Commissioners for their voluntary service. • The compost contract issue with Hawaiian Earth Recycling (HER) has been satisfactorily resolved via negotiations. HER will continue with mulching only, and composting will be renegotiated. He is very satisfied with the resulting $500,000 annual savings to the County. • In response to Commissioner Fear's question: Although compost is free now, HER does intend to start charging for compost in the future. HER will profit from the sale of compost, not the County. • Dr. Bennett informed the Mayor that the new Director is very responsive and there is a good flow of information to the Commission. b. Recycling Presentation of FY15-16 Program Accomplishments and Costs by George Hayducsko, Recycling Coordinator • 2-Bin Recycling: new signage needed; need to constantly educate the public • HI-5 Beverage Container Redemption: contractors are doing a good job (Business Services Hawaii; Atlas) • E-Waste Recycling: Mr. K's just signed a new contract; will be done on Saturdays 8:30am —4:30pm; volume for FY15-16 was much higher than prior year.