HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP EMC 016 07/22/2008 2006-2008
REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
DATE: July 22, 2008 Re: Comm. 1332/13ill 326
PLACE: Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa
78-128 Ehukai Street
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
TIME: 2:00 p.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Environmental Management, to which was referred Bill 326 reports as follows:
Bill 326, was transmitted from Council Chairperson Pete Hoffmann, via Communication No. 1332,
dated June 30, 2008, proposing an ordinance amending Chapter 20, Hawaii County Code 1983
(2005 Edition, as amended) by adding a new Article 5 pertaining to plastic bag reduction.
The purpose of this bill is to prohibit the use of non-biodegradable plastic shopping bags by
businesses and encourages the use of environmentally preferable alternatives, such as recyclable
paper bags or reusable bags. This bill also requires the Department of Environmental Management
Director to administer the Article.
Environmental Management Director Bobby Jean Leithead Todd cautioned that Corporation
Counsel should render an opinion on Section 20-55 of the proposed bill, as she has concerns with
the County trying to collect fines that the State currently controls and with her Department's (or its
Director) authority to carry out the mandates of the bill as Section 20-55 makes violations of the bill
a criminal offense.
Your Committee on Environmental Management is in accord with the purpose and intent of
Billf3 ,a drecommends it pass first reading.
bl
AYES NOES A&E EX Respectfully submitted,
FORD x
HIGA x COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL
HOFFMANN x MANAGEMENT
IKEDA x
JACOBSON x
0
NAEOLE x
PILAGO x BOB JAC SON, CHAIR
YAGONG x -MC REPORT NO. 16
YOSHIMOTO x ADOPTED: AUG L 70n8__