HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0307.001 2004-2006
JUN-28-2005 12:32 FROM: HIEDB [308 966 6792 T0: 808 961 8912 ~1E.--'? ~~3~~
~l--~`
Hawaii Island Economic Development Board
ISLAND O F O p p O R T U N I T Y
June 27, 2005
Stacy Higa
County Council Chair
County of Hawaii
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Deaz Stacy, -
In 2001. HIEDB was able to secure funding from Congress to establish a community
development model for renewable resource management by upgrading solid waste
convenience centers into community recycling centers,
HIEDB is thrilled that the community -businesses, governmental agencies, non-profits,
schools, volunteers, and most importantly the people -have come together [o develop a
strong reuse and recycling program on the Big Island.
The "model" project of HIEDB, the Kea'au Reuse and Recycling Center met a major
Milestone - in just 9 months of operations more than 10,000 tons of materials diverted from
our landfill,
Based of the success of the Kea'au model, HIEDB was able to secure another Congressional
Appropriation grant of $225,000 for a Kealakehe project, now in its 6th month, as a pilot
project using a "two sort" method of collection for our residents to gain higher diversion
numbers.
While money is always helpful in getting recycling programs started, real success always
comes firm the hard working people behind the programs, the support from our County of
Hawaii and from community participation.
HIEDB is again excited to see this model grow, and understand that the next phase of
Congressional funding has just been approved for $397,600 for another West side project.
There aze many benefits to recycling, but our island is facing bigger problems with our
waste; the imminent closure of the East Hawaii landfill by the end of 2005.
A "new" landfill will take more than 5 years to reach the implementation process; a waste
reduction technology alternative also years away From implementing.
Hawaii Inrrovagon linter at Nilo • 117 Kwwe Street, Suite 107 • Mllo, Hawall 96720
Ph (808) 935-2180 FaX (808) 935-2167 hiedb®hiedb.org www.hledb.org
Comm. No. 3~9.
Ref. To: EML
Ref. Uate ~ ~nn5 _
5108 966 6792 TO ~ 808 961 8912 P, pF?2'p01
JUN-28-2005 12:32 FROM~HIEDB _
What do we do in the mean timel
HIEDB supports a reload/sort station in East Hawaii to assist in the Environmental
Managements overall plan for waste management for Hawaii Lsland. We need this
implemented now; further delays will be devastating for our island community. The impact
on our already taxed roads, if forced to haul rubbish from East Hawau to West Hawaii we
feel is not an option to consider, not mentioning the noise, pollution and costing to our
island residents,
An East Hawaii reload /sort station could make a difference in extending the life of the
East Hawaii landfill, and support further job creations in recycling and reuse. Please
reconsider and let move forward with a sort station for East HAwaii.
With Warm Aloha--
J J
Jacque ' e Skylark 12ossetti
Program Manager