HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0841.010 2010-2012 JN�Y OF N4
William P.Kenoi ,'moo.
Sherman Warner
Mayor
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Dora Beck,P.E.
Acting Director
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ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
25 Aupuni Street•Hilo,Hawai'i 96720-4252
(808)961-8083•Fax(808)961-8086
October 29, 2012
Dominic Yagong, Chairman
and Members of the Hawai'i County Council
Hawai'i County Building
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
Re: Bill No. 306
Amending HCC Chapter 20, Art. 4, Section 20-24
Relating to establishment of a "Pay As You Throw" Program
Dear Chairman and Council Members,
On October 24, 2012, the Environmental Management Commission ("EMC") reviewed the
above-referenced Bill No. 306, pursuant to Hawai'i County Code §2-207. The general concept
of the Bill, to establish a "Pay as You Throw" ("PAYT") program for County solid waste facilities,
has substantial potential and deserves to be put forward for consideration of its merits. The
PAYT concept would reward those who recycle and deter excessive, indiscriminating disposal.
It would raise revenue in proportion to facility use. This bill presents an elegantly simple
amendment to establish such a program.
PAYT has many moving parts which must be carefully considered and planned. For such a
program to succeed, the County will need to conduct further in-depth study to plan a
comprehensive approach which takes into account all aspects of the program including, but not
limited to: operational procedures; program funding; staffing and training; purchase and
distribution of equipment and bags; facility improvements; social impacts and effects;
enforcement; public education; permit and regulatory compliance; environmental impacts; and
others.
As elegant as the proposed Bill is, at this juncture there remains a great deal of preparatory
work necessary before PAYT can be successfully enacted and implemented. The EMC
appreciates the effort that went into this proposed Bill and will keep the PAYT concept in mind
as the County continues to seek optimal solid waste disposal and financing methods.
Based on the foregoing, although the Bill raises concepts worthy of further consideration, by
unanimous vote of members present at the Environmental Management Commission ("EMC")
Comm.m. Ng, l I. 1
of. To:
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oi. Date
meeting of October 24, 2012, the EMC at this time must forward to the Hawai'i County Council
a negative recommendation on the above-referenced Bill No. 306.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this visionary Bill.
Sincerely
erman Warner
Chair
cc: William Kenoi, Mayor
Bill Takaba, Managing Director
Dora Beck, P.E., Acting DEM Director
EMC Commissioners