HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-02-16 EMC agenda item 6a - HB1992_HD1_support_cohdem_EEP
County of Hawai‘i
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
345 Kekūanāoʻa Street, Suite 41 · Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720 · cohdem@hawaiicounty.gov
Ph: (808) 961-8083 · Fax: (808) 961-8086
Hawai‘i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
Ramzi I. Mansour
Director
Brenda Iokepa-Moses
Deputy Director
Mitchell D. Roth
Mayor
Lee Lord
Managing Director
February 14, 2022
Rep. Nicole Lowen, Chair, and
Members of the Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection
Dear Chair Lowen,
The Department of Environmental Management of the County of Hawai’i strongly encourages
the committee to support HB 1992, HD1. The bill’s intent is in concurrence with our County’s
efforts associated with the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) Build Back
Better Regional Challenge. The County of Hawai‘i was very fortunate to be one of 60 regional
cluster finalists (out of more than 520 applicants) selected in 10 different clusters. Our efforts are
focused on creating a strong agricultural economy that corrects past systemic barriers to growth
that are unique to an island market, while also helping Hawai‘i Island respond to economic
downturns due to the pandemic and natural disasters.
Composting is a robust means to abate climate change, save valuable landfill space, support local
farmers/ agriculture, and build resilience for our island home, especially in light of the recent
supply chain issues we are currently experiencing. We must support our farmers to enable them
to lessen our dependence on food shipped from outside the State of Hawai’i. This ever-
increasing volatility in the supply chain can be mitigated in part by supporting our farmers
through increasing composting through this legislation.
Again, thank you for the opportunity to provide support for HB 1992, HD1.
Sincerely,
Ramzi Mansour
Director