HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0944.008 2014-2016 comments on Resolution 565-16/ packaging sustainability
for Hawai'i County Council, 9 AM Wednesday, August 3, 2016, Hilo chambers
from Cory Harden, Hilo
I commend the work done to prepare this proposed task force--to persuade so many key players frorrrthe
State,the County, and the business and environmental communities to join in.And I support the cor1pt _
of the task force. —
But I request that Councilmembers Paleka and Kanuha answer these questions:
• How will follow-through be assured? One month after the task force's final report, a new mayor
and new County Council will take office. This means many of the task force members may lose
their jobs. They will be replaced with new people who don't know the background of why
recommendations were made. The new people may implement recommendations incorrectly, or
be reluctant to implement them at all. We risk having the work of all these highly qualified task
force members go to waste. The members may then decide it's not worth putting time and effort
into future environmental initiatives.
• Who decided to waive normal procedures for this resolution, and why? Normally, environmental
issues go first to the Environmental Commission, then to the County Council environmental
committee, and only then to the full Council. Instead, it came straight to the Council.
By the way,the Environmental Commission hasn't been able to meet for a couple of months,
because Mayor Kenoi hasn't filled the vacant seats.
• Why are Mr. Paleka and Mr. Kanuha on this task force, but not Ms. Wille? Ms. Wille has a strong
knowledge base on this issue, since she researched and wrote the proposed polystyrene ban.
Both Mr. Paleka and Mr. Kanuha spoke against that ban. Mr. Paleka voted against it. Mr. Kanuha
was absent for the vote.
• Can Mr. Paleka and Mr. Kanuha offer a response to people who say there's a hidden agenda—
which is winning back lost votes from citizens who are upset that the polystyrene ban failed?
Please note: there are over 100 businesses on Hawai'i Island already using environmentally friendly food
packaging. It's a great selling point. People can contact Hawai'i Wildlife Fund to get the names.
Thank you for considering my questions.
faitii: NO; q1443)
Ref. To:
Ref. Date AUG 0 3 2a