HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-09-28 EMC testimony (09-27) Mitsumori, MicheleFrom:M Mitsumori
To:Sur, Peter
Subject:Testimony re: Agenda Item VII.1
Date:Tuesday, September 27, 2022 10:34:56 AM
Aloha, Members of the EMC,
I am writing regarding Agenda Item VII.1, regarding this opportunity to apply for funding for our county
through the EPA's Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Program.
Hawai`i County continues to see the challenges created by funding shortages, which directly impact
resources available to address our solid waste management efforts. A working group, which I was a
member of, has invested in completing an RFI and in starting to raise awareness among diverse
stakeholder groups of this opportunity, and of our common ground in this effort. Ms. Jennifer Navarre will
be presenting in more detail on this.
As a result of these efforts, I would like to respectfully request the EMC to recommend to the County
Council:
To fund a facilitator to organize meetings with diverse stakeholders ahead of the release of the
EPA's Request for Applications, which is expected this fall.
The EAP will prioritize funding projects with a coalition of public and private entities. Funding a
facilitator after the RFA is released will not allow sufficient time for input and support needed for a
strong County application.
To fund a grant writer for this opportunity, if the County's Research & Development Department
does not have the capacity to do so.
Thank you for this opportunity to submit testimony in support of these next steps.
Sincerely,
Michele Mitsumori
Hilo, HI