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STATE CAPITOL I
HONOLULU, HAWAi'i 9881- 3
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January 18. 202"
COUNTYCLERK
COUNTY OF HAWATI
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From: Senator Laura Acasio Date N 1 02
TO: The Honorable Herbert M. "Tim" Richards 111, Chair and Presiding Officer and,
The Honorable Holeka Goro Inaba, Vice Chair
RE: Chair Comm. 378.3 - Department of Environmental Management presentation 1118/22
Aloha e to All Members of the Committee,
I write to you today to ensure that the county decision making process regarding the future of
composting operations on Hawaii Island is aligned with state policy regarding the all important
agriculture, waste management and tourism sectors.
As a signatory to ten of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Hawaii has
made a commitment to further these goals as it establishes policy and enacts legislation
pertinent to these sectors. Hawaii County's own commitment to a sustainable future is reflected
in the name of this committee; the choice to include the word "regenerative" is a clear signal that
Hawaii County policymakers understand the need to create new models.
From HTA's Destination Management Action Plans (DMAPs), to the DOE's efforts to include
more locally produced food in school menus, there is a clear and compelling shift throughout
state government to protect the environment and put community needs first.
Expending a large sum of money to develop a single large scale composting facility in an
industrial area is not a model that aligns with the forward thinking, sustainability initiatives being
put forth at the state level. To achieve our sustainable development goals, we need to develop a
model that allows for the efficient collection and processing of the highest volume of organic
materials possible. A small scale distributed system, where collection centers are located close
to where the materials are generated and convenient for the farmers that will use the compost is
needed.
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Ref. Date JAN 1 R 2029
January 18,202"
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Such a system supports the shift to regenerative agriculture, but it also comes with a
significantly reduced carbon footprint and allows for a collection system that better captures the
organic waste generated by visitors.
My office is working to reform composting regulations at the state level to facilitate the
development of this model. I look forward to partnering with the Council, the department of
Environmental Management, the Environmental Management Commission, the agricultural
community and the numerous public interest groups that have taken a passionate interest in this
matter to create a system that serves the public need to divert organics from the landfill and
promote soil health.
Mahalo to you all for your consideration of this important issue and your ongoing service.
Senator Laura Acasio
District I—Greater Hilo