HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-09-28 EMC testimony (09-26) Leonard, LibbyFrom:Libby Leonard
To:Sur, Peter
Subject:Testimony for Environmental Management Meeting
Date:Monday, September 26, 2022 2:45:54 PM
Aloha, Peter,
My name is Libby Leonard. I'm a journalist who is based in Kapa'au who extensively covers
environmental issues. Most recently the effects of plastic waste on the environment
internationally with solutions-makers not only solving recycling issues, but also providing
infrastructure for vulnerable communities. I also covered a story about a local initiative on
cardboard shredding that provides cardboard for farming, and also gets rid of the waste stream.
This initiative was amazing, but has since been halted due to the breakdown of the shredders
from overuse and the need to raise money to get more (though the founder's goal was to have
schools and other organizations on the island to have their own). Anyway, those links are for
EcoWatch. I also write for National Geographic. The Guardian, SF Gate and others.
Since I moved here in 2020, I have been floored by the issues with recycling on our island. I
have met people who pack their suitcases filled with plastic when traveling to the mainland to
offload them to areas that actually have necessary facilities to handle this stuff. I filled an
entire shed with my recycling thinking that there would be an opportunity to do something
with the recycling, then it was announced what recycling streams would be eliminated.
We can't afford to damage the 'aina anymore. We already have one landfill that is completely
shut down, with one left. While there needs to be more reduce, reuse etc, there needs to be
proper infrastructure in place. This requires all hands on deck. Putting a grant writer in place
to go after this large grant that could actually pull our heads above water is necessary.
Applying for this grant is necessary.
The county council needs to fund a facilitator to speak with stakeholders.
Mahalo,
Libby Leonard
www.libbyleonard.com