HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0358.002 2004-2006 WILLIAM & CLAUDIA RICE
P O Box 186, Honomu. HI 96728
(808)963-6123 phone/963-6889 fax
email ncesofhi(cDhilobav coin
July 18. 2005 -
COUNTY OF HAWAII -Via fax--
County Council
Hilo HI 96720 -
Dear Council Chair Higa anu Councl members
Our family strongly supports funding for the proposed Sort Station as a sensible step in solid waste-
handling for East Hawau It is an efficient way to avoid unnecessary transport and handling of materials
that can be re-used
We are also strongly opposed to waste incineration It is very unfortunate that the solid waste problem
has been neglected for so many years. leaving the appearance of redured options and inevitable
inaneration Incineration is a failed technology. as any research of its history on the mainland can easily
show
The solid waste disposal issue has become a rnghtmare Thanks to the Yamashiro administration which
was committed to the "magic wand" solution, many years were wasted Their belief that incineration
would lust make the problem `disappear' is still a rommon delusion around the county
Burning an~4hing creates waste in new forms Waste incineration is a failed technology that has left
blighted and nearly bankrupt cities (like Detroit) nits wake on the mainland
The heavy metals and dioxins produced by incineration are extremely towc Failure to meet mercury
emission standards has been common Significant increases in cancer rates have been found it
populations living near waste manerators and milk from cows on nearby dairy farms have been founC to
be contaminated with exoessroe levels of dioxins (known caranogens)
Waste-[c energy is both a myth and sales gimmicK that borders on deception Very little energy is
generated by these facilities when compared to coal fired electrical generating plants of similar cost, and
the net energy gain is minimal when consitlenng the energy input to bwld and maintain these burners
Inanerators have also been the source of expensive lawswts in Michigan, New York Florida etr,
No community would knowingly consent to be blighted by these toxic emissions nor should they be
asked to sacrifice their chtldrens health Hawau County cannot afford to be seduced into this rnghtmare
and the endless litigation d would cause We also must not burden West Hawan with our trucks and
trash
Use of a Sort Station community diversion of green waste and construction of a new land fill for the
leftovers is the only responsible path open to us
Sincerely
Claudia Woodward-Rice
Wtlliam Rice
cc Mayor Kim
Comm. No. Z
Ref. To:
Ref. Dpte