HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-09-28 EMC testimony (09-26) Muskopf, ClaireFrom:claire muskopf
To:Sur, Peter
Subject:Testimony for 9/28 EMC meeting - item VII - 1
Date:Monday, September 26, 2022 1:24:52 PM
Aloha,
Thank you for taking the time for input from the community on
this matter.
The opportunity presented with this possible federal funding is very
important and timely. Hawaiʻi as a whole and Hawaiʻi County in particular
needs to find better ways to manage our resources and specifically our
outflow (rubbish/trash).
The nature of our island community is such that there is no "away" to
throw things.
If we are going to move towards a future where our keiki are not
surrounded by the waste of our activities today we need to start to plan
and take action.
I realize the initial investment feels steep but if we are going to be
prepared to present our needs to the decision makers who might provide
the funding to really kickstart a different and elevated approach to solving
our waste stream issues we have to start NOW.
Please recommend to the county council to fund a facilitator to begin
organizing stakeholders ASAP. We need this process to start before the
EPAʻs Request for Application is released in order to ensure our case is
made quickly and in a timely manner.
This funding is going to be valuable to communities across the nation and
our needs are equal to if not more significant that other areas where land
transport options are more viable.
In order to receive the greatest possible funding available we need to
demonstrate a plan that involves coalitions of public and private entities.
Those take time to build and function cohesively. It's about more than just
wanting to improve our recycling systems but about having plans and
ideas of HOW we are going to do that.
DEM seems to think that R&D is responsible for this project and while it
may need to start there, there is no part of our county governance that
does not have a stake in the future of this land.
Success in this endeavor is going to depend on the key pieces Iʻve already
referenced as well as having a coherent voice for this grant application.
Please recommend to the county council that they provide funding for a
grant writer if R&D is not prepared or able to do so in a timely manner.
Please remember the key place you sit in helping to craft the future of
resource management on Hawaiʻi Island. The citizens need the
government's help to move towards a future where we have more
adequate infrastructure, collection systems and end markets for reuse and
recycling; if not circular systems of production and reuse. To do any
portion of that goal list successfully we are going to need to be supported
by policy that holds that vision clearly and staffing to help us all move
towards it together.
Mahalo for your time and your kuleana,
~Claire Muskopf
Kapaau, HI