HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0279.009 2022-2024 P/Co�AG
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A WASTEWATER
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ALTERINNOVATIONS
May 15,2023 ..n
In Support of Bill 48 9
Hawai'i County Council Hearing on May 16,2023
Aloha,Honorable Members of the Government Operations and External Affairs Committee,
On behalf of the non-profit WAI:Wastewater Alternatives&Innovations,I am writing in strong
support of Bill 48,which proposes the creation of the Office of Sustainability,Climate,Equity,and
Resilience(OSCER)in Hawai'i County.I believe that this bill is a critical step towards addressing the
challenges posed by climate change,promoting sustainability,and building resilience in our
community,while also making the County a leader on these issues.
The establishment of OSCER demonstrates a commitment to aligning the County of Hawaii with
state,national and global priorities and policies regarding the most pressing issues of our time.By
coordinating and managing policies to promote sustainability and resilience,OSCER will play a
pivotal role in mitigating the effects of climate change on Hawai'i Island.This office will serve as a
catalyst for positive changes,enabling us to make conscious choices that benefit our environment,
economy,and social well-being.
One of the key strengths of Bill 48 is its focus on equity and environmental justice.It is encouraging
to see that the bill emphasizes the consideration of impacts on lower-and middle-income
individuals,historically marginalized groups,and aims to ensure that the benefits of the office's
programs reach all residents of the county.This commitment to inclusivity and fairness is
commendable and sets an example for other jurisdictions to follow.Yet,as the old adage goes,a
rising tide can also lift all boats for everyone in Hawaii.
The elevation of OSCER to the cabinet level is a strategic move that will enable coordinated action
both internally and externally.By providing the office with the necessary authority and resources,
we can foster collaboration and synergy among different departments and agencies.This integrated
approach is vital for effective policy implementation and achieving meaningful results in
sustainability and resilience.
The establishment of a Climate Action Revolving Fund is a smart and innovative approach.This fund
will support policies and programs that align with the objectives of OSCER,while generating cost
savings for the county.By reinvesting these savings into new climate action programs,we can create
a self-sustaining cycle of progress and ensure the long-term success of our sustainability efforts.
The design of OSCER seems to be based on collective impact and has proven successful in achieving
transformative change in Honolulu City&County and other municipalities across the country.By
adopting this model,OSCER will serve as a coordinating and administrative entity,enabling us to
maximize our impact and effectively address the implementation gaps in our sustainability,climate,
and resilience plans.
WAI Wastewater Alternatives & Innovations * 2927 Hibiscus PI. * Honolulu. HI 96815 ^^n .�
808-381-6220 * info@waicleanwater.org * www.WaiCleanWater.orcomm. N . �'L ll,�
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Ref. Dot,' MAY 1 6 2023
WASTEWATER
)( WA I ALTERNATIVES &
INNOVATIONS
This office could also help with the mandate to convert all 83,000 cesspools across the state by
2050.A recent study showed that 40%of the methane produced in the state comes from cesspools;
so they are a leading contributor to climate change and pose many threats to the environment and
human health.With almost 50,000 cesspools across the County,this new office could help tackle
this challenge and access federal funding to fight climate change.
WAI is dedicated to protecting our drinking water,groundwater and near-shore ecosystems by
reducing sewage pollution from cesspools and failing septic systems. Our goal is to help find more
innovative,affordable,and eco-friendly solutions to wastewater management.Better sanitation
systems reduce sewage pollution and make properties more valuable,while also protecting public
health,groundwater,streams and our coral reefs and coastal areas.
I firmly believe that the passage of Bill 48 and the establishment of OSCER will position Hawai'i
County as a leader in sustainability,climate change adaptation,and community resilience.I ask the
Government Operations and External Affairs Committee to support Bill 48 and recommend its
passage to the Hawai'i County Council.Let us embrace this opportunity to safeguard our future,
preserve our natural resources,and create a thriving,sustainable community for generations to
come.Mahalo for your consideration and leadership in this matter.
Aloha,
SEuaii.1 Uernart,
Stuart H.Coleman,Executive Director
WAI: Wastewater Alternatives & Innovations * 2927 Hibiscus PI. * Honolulu, HI 96815
808-381-6220 * info@waicleanwater.org * www.WaiCleanWater.org