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HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP EMC 003 03/17/2009 2008-2010 REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT DATE: March 17, 2009 Re: Comm. No. 189/Res. 66-09 PLACE: Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa 78-128 Ehukai Street Kailua-Kona, Hawaii TIME: 1:30 p.m. Council Chair and Members Hawaii County Council Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Your Committee on Environmental Management, to which was referred Resolution 66-09, reports as follows: Resolution 66-09, transmitted by Council Member Kelly Greenwell, via Communication No. 189, dated March 5, 2009, is a resolution encouraging the respective Counties ofHawai`i, Maui, Kauai, and the City and County of Honolulu, to collaborate and pursue a single Solid Waste proposal that could enable the State ofHawai`i to qualify and apply for federal funding under any and all existing or proposed Economic Stimulus and Stabilization Packages, including, but not limited to, the new "Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008", also known as the 2007 U.S. Farm Bill. Resolution 66-09 states that there may be significant efficiencies in addressing the State's solid waste issues based upon individual needs of each county through a combined single solid waste proposal approach and that if developed jointly by the counties, would promote economic and agricultural sustainability, and maximize capital equipment and infrastructure funding. At the March 17, 2009 Committee on Environmental Management meeting, public testimony at the Hilo Council Chambers was presented by the following persons: Bob Jacobson (in opposition), Julie Jacobson (in opposition), and Tim Rees (in support). Councilmember Greenwell explained that the main purpose of the resolution is to encourage dialog among the counties so that better ideas could be generated between the entities. He stressed to Council Members that nothing in a physical sense was being proposed by Resolution 66-09 and that postponing the matter would be a mistake because the sooner collective discussions of good and bad perspectives were accomplished, the potential for substantial funds becoming available can be very helpful. Councilmember Enriques inquired whether this proposal could be taken to the Hawaii State Association of Counties and begin dialog at that level. Councilmember Hoffmann said this was clearly a situation in which HSAC would be an avenue to obtain dialog among the counties, solicit ideas from Environmental Management departments and obtain perspectives on various levels regarding this important issue. Councilmember Ford stated her preference to postpone this matter until department representatives were available for comment, to which Deputy Director Ivan Torigoe expressed his concurrence. EMC Rpt. No. 3 Communication No. 189 Page 2 of 2 Councilmember Greenwell noted that if the Council agreed that Resolution 66-09 could be taken to HSAC, it was important to note that the resolution simply requests that discussions among the counties take place and that the single solid waste proposal referred to therein is simply philosophical. Mr. Greenwell stated the important issue is whether or not there is an agreement among everyone to work together and to discuss the issue without first having a specific plan. Council Chair Yoshimoto stated this proposal merely opens dialog, moves the resolution forward to Council, allows another opportunity for discussion, and is the vehicle that encourages the counties to talk story. Councilmember Yagong's concern related to reference in the resolution to a single solid waste proposal which he felt focused on one thing only that all the counties would have to agree to. Mr. Yagong also felt that passing Resolution 66-09 would adversely impact the respective counties Integrated Solid Waste Management Plans which were very near completion. A motion to postpone this matter to the next Committee meeting failed. Chair Yoshimoto said he views Resolution 66-09 as concurrent planning that approaches an issue through a bigger solution resulting in bigger dollars, and until collaborative dialog between the counties happens, the measure does not change what is currently being done with respect to the counties Integrated Solid Waste Management Plans. He said he would hate to foreclose an option or opportunity and saw no harm in pursuing an effort which may potentially have hidden values for everyone's benefit. In closing, Councilmember Greenwell noted that historically, solid waste has always been perceived or viewed as a problem however he believed that the key word is "opportunity" and expressed hope that everyone could embrace and view solid waste as an opportunity. Your Committee on Environmental Management is in accord with the purpose and intent of Resolution No. 66-09 and recommends its adoption. mpd Ares NOES A&E Ex Respectfully submitted, ENRIQUES X FORD X COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL GREENWELL X MANAGEMENT HOFFMANN X _ 00, HKFDA X NAEOLE X Omsm X KELLY G LL, CHAIR YAGONG X EMS REPORT NO. 3 YOSR MOTO X ADOPTED: MAY O 6 209