HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-09-28 EMC testimony (09-27) Neal, KeithFrom:Keith Neal
To:Sur, Peter
Subject:Written testimony, submitted Re: VII – 1
Date:Tuesday, September 27, 2022 11:22:01 AM
Aloha Environmental Management Commission,
I strongly support recycling, reuse, remanufacturing and repurposing items that often
end up in island landfill(s).
As 85 to 90% of consumed items in Hawaii County are imported, it is critical the
county find solutions to barriers to repurposing/recycling.
In Hawaii County barriers are:
• Inadequate infrastructure (facilities and warehouse space),
• Inadequate collection systems,
• Insufficient end markets for reuse and recycling,
• Policy and staffing needs.
Collection systems within the County disproportionately impact rural, low income and
houseless communities. Current system(s) are inadequate, create barriers due to
design of limited availability and inconvenience.
Furthermore, current county recycling programs are inconvenient and cost prohibitive
for both public and commercial users.
This posed both economic and environmental justice concerns
Respectful submitted,
Keith Neal
Waimea