HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0554.005 2020-2022 i
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COUNTY OF HAWPI51
RECEIVED j
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Aloha,to the member of the Council and the DEM. y
My name is Evan Lam. I'm the owner and operator of Circlepack.To date,our initiative in creating
pathways for viable, localized organics management has done the following in collaboration with
multiple non-profits and businesses.
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We have processed over 17,000 lbs of OCC cardboard into product which has been used for the creation
of compost, weed-suppressing mulch and packaging supplies. Over 85%of processed materials have
been used to create compost which is used in agricultural production.We have tested and piloted 7
different approaches to lowering the barriers for entry of local businesses and communities including
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combining the distribution of local produce in exchange for recycled materials, low-cost collection and
processing systems and working with larger composters to integrate new practices.We've accomplished
this in less than 2 years with minimal funding, off-the-shelf equipment and the engagement of many
communities.
I fully support the move to create a network of composting sites—at various scales—instead of a
centralized system. I believe that it is both practically achievable in terms of equipment, logistics, cost
and infrastructure as well sustainably beneficial to the local economy,with a specific focus on
agriculture, localized wealth creation, food security and reduced carbon impacts.
For the county to spend $10 million dollars on the construction of single,geographically isolated facility
would be another waste of public funding.That money can be used to construct reliable infrastructure
in multiple communities and catalyze localized entrepreneurship.A decentralized network will require
electrical,framing and masonry work as well as multiple independent operators.This approach is likely a
better bet for both immediate and medium-long term economic health. Many necessary materials can
be purchased from local resource recovery operators and material handlers, specialized equipment can
be obtained in coordinated purchases, and other funding will be critical for workforce development and
regulatory'process improvement.
The choice to pursue a decentralized system create a set of options to benefit multiple systems (food
and recycling)as well as circulate our tax payer dollars locally with a lower environmental footprint. It
would demonstrate the County's commitment to supporting the long term diversity, resilience and
health of our local economy. Moreover, it could prove as a commitment to matching funds in support of
the EDA grant recently awarded to the County.
We have almost everything we need to make this a reality while safeguarding the access to the practice
of composting for the directly benefit everyone on Hawaii Island. We need the support of both elected
and non-elected offices in ensuring that this can become a practical working reality. In the era of a
changed climate, a centralized composting system has multiple fragilities and issues which will likely not
prove resilient in the face of supply chain disruptions,distrust in government, and higher frequency,
higher intensity natural disasters.
We've seen the fractures in our centralized landfill system come to light during 2020-2022. 1 encourage
the County to consider avoiding these mistakes by committing to the same philosophy for managing
organics.
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Ref. Date i A N i Z 422
Kind Regards,
Evan Lam.
Qan LLC. DBA Circlepack
Owner/Operator/Resident.