HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0481.001 2000-2002 C~~9NTY ®F HAW~16
~6Vi/I~t~t~~EiVT~L.I~ANAG~N~ C~N91V91SS1®N
2~ A,upuni ~tr~et
Hi9~, Haonaai'i 96720
r
c._
January 23, 2002 _
-
HONORABLE CHAIRMAN YAGONG AND MEMBERS ~,A
HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL.
25 AUPUNI STREET ~
HILO HI 96720
61
SUBJECT: UPDATE TO THE I-IAWAI'I COUNTY COUNCIL - r`
COMMITTEE ON PARKS AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
The commissioners began our duties in May 2001. We have a dedicated and well-
informed group, which works well together.
The County Charter, Chapter 5, Section 6-5.5 states:
....The environmental management commission shall advise the department on waste
reduction strategies, recycling, litter control, community involvement and other issues
related to the functions of the department, and shall exercise any other powers related
to the functions of the department that may be delegated to it by ordinance.
Our Mission Statement is:
To protect, preserve, and enhance our environment by promoting wise management of
waste and resources and by advising the Department of Environmental Management on
these issues. To promote reduction, reuse, and recycling in a manner that protects
public health and safety, natural and cultural resources, and the long-term economic
health of the county. To provide positive, financially viable, and workable solutions and
to involve all interested parties in our mission.
We have agreed that our duties include:
• Advising the County Council, as requested,
• Providing links for the community to input on solid waste and wastewater issues,
• Looking for the highest common good on complicated issues that come before
the group,
• Seeking solutions and stimulating discussion on topics before they become
problems, and
• Seeking answers to existing problems, some of which are, financing of sewer
extensions (laterals), Hilo landfill closure, solid waste diversion rates, litter,
dumping on public and private lands, and abandoned vehicles.
To these ends we have been working on the update of the County Integrated Solid
Waste Management Plan. As the commissioners are now the members of the Solid
Waste Advisory Committee, we have asked hard questions and are ~lannin~ that the 1+~~-
pe •
File ?v4,
~ ~ . a:._
keP. o~te
z~~
final product will be a useful document that will guide the RFP process, provide specific
implementation in#ormation fer solid waste tnanac~ement on the whole island, and
especially aid in the closure of the a-lilo landfill.
Following up on an initial idea by Chairman Yagong, we have discussed and come to
agreement on the idea of allowing the commission to set rates for the wastewater and
solid waste divisions. Yesterday, we met and unanimously approved language fcr a
County ordinance to this effect. You should be receiving. the drafts soon.
Yesterday we also brainstormed where to find funding to enhance the diversion grant
program. The commission found this to be an integral part of community perception that
the County is genuinely working to solve solid waste issues. We will continue to work cry
this situation.
Should you need us, we can be reached at the fofiowing numbers, Barbara Bell, 961-
6556 and Riley Smith, 335-2306. Thank you for this opportunity to address your
committee.
BRRBARA BALL RILEY W. SMITO°i
Co-Chair ComC-hair
.