HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0279.030 2022-20247
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TESTIMONY OF RECYG�CE 'I i�►V'VAI.f`' '`'.
RE: Bill 48
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IN STRONG SUPPORT
Recycle Hawaii stands in strong support of this measure which will
RECYCLE establish the Hawaii County Office of Sustainability, Climate,
H AWA I I Equity, and Resilience. We applaud Chair Kimball for her foresight
and the team that brought this measure forward for their effort.
From grassroots activities to international policymaking, our organization is deeply
involved in numerous initiatives aimed at ending the wasteful practices that threaten
the well being of our planet.This involvement makes us keenly aware of the
challenges Hawaii Island faces in its quest to create a more sustainable, resilient and
equitable society while providing us with direct knowledge regarding the broad
range of resources available to help our communities meet those challenges.
At a time when the United Nations is making an extraordinary effort to establish
policies that support global sustainability and U.S. agencies like the EPA are mirroring
that commitment with well funded programs aimed at equitably addressing climate
impacts, Hawaii County must do its part to ensure that our communities benefit from
these undertakings.
Bill 48 is a carefully crafted and timely piece of enabling legislation that provides the
county with the funding and human resources needed to set our island up for
success. Without it our communities are at a disadvantage when not comes to
securing the resources we need to achieve our sustainability and climate goals.
Our only concern regards the extent to which the office will compete with Hawaii
Island stakeholders and right holders for funding and other forms of support. OSCER
should serve as a pipeline that delivers resources to our communities instead of
becoming another bureaucratic sinkhole that consumes resources to no avail.
Kristine Kubat
Executive Director
Recycle Hawaii
808-747-4246
Comm. Na. `C110
Ref. To: CL
Ref. Date MAY 1 6 2023