MIN CHARTER 2018-08-10 (2018-2020)

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Hawai`i County Charter Commission -2 August 10, 2018 functions than operating functions. We're seeing that in more of the bills and things that come out. So to address that, we have sort of general language, but I am proposing that we'd possibly, the commission consider going a little bit more explicit definitions. In here what I've suggested, where it says, "... to enhance our environment by promoting the wise management of our resources," that we add "by promoting and regulating the wise management." That is not much of a change. It's pretty subtle, but it gives us explicit authority to go through on more policy and regulatory issues. The second change is for 10.4, is corning in and talking about the duties and functions, where it says that, "the Department of Environment shall manage solid waste ... " We also have situations where we need to enforce some of these rules. One of the things for example is commercial operators that come in to a transfer station, do not pay for disposal at those facilities. We've sort of had the authority to enforce the "you can't do that," but it's not really clear whether the police are required to do that or whether the department can do that. That's one example. So what I would like to see in there if the Charter was a little bit more explicit, to say "to manage and enforce." Another area grease interceptors. Every restaurant, we have like 1,300 to 1,600 restaurants registered with the Department of Health. Many of those restaurants are required by Code to have a grease interceptor or grease traps. But the Department of Health has two people on the island. That's it, to manage this. The State doesn't pay a penalty if the grease trap ordinance is not followed through on, because they don't operate our wastewater treatment facilities. So the County has to pay the price if excess grease comes into the system. We'll be looking for going in and some ability to enforce some of those rules and get some enforcement authority within the department. So that's short and for me pretty much to the point. So I thank you for your attention, and happy to take any questions. CHR. ADAMS: Thanks, Director Kucharski. Does anyone have any comments? Yes, Commissioner Todd. MS. TODD: Good afternoon, Director. MR. KUCHARSKI: Good afternoon. MS. TODD: You didn't make any comments about the Environmental Management Commission. I was wondering whether it might be easier for the department if the commission had similar powers as do something like the Board of Water Supply where they can set your fees for wastewater and for solid waste. Page 13