HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-09-28 EMC testimony (09-27) Kubat, Kristine (Recycle Hawaii)TESTIMONY OF RECYCLE HAWAII RE: Zero Wast Hawaii Island’s Report in Response to
EPA RFI related to federal infrastructure funding for recycling programs
Submitted by Kristine Kubat, Executive Director
Recycle Hawaii extends its appreciation to Zero Waste Hawaii Island for responding to the
EPA RFI and providing that agency with the information it needs to properly assess the status
of Hawaii Island’s waste diversion programs and understand the benefits a federal award
under the Recycling Is Infrastructure Too initiative could provide. We commend Jennifer
Navarra and Ellen Okuma for their outstanding work; the value of this volunteer effort will go
a long way towards garnering the support needed to move away from outdated waste
management programs and towards resource recovery strategies that are the hallmark of a
truly circular economy.
Recycle Hawaii is actively engaged with stakeholders and recycling industry specialists to
establish a roadmap for this transformation. We are pleased to report that the capacity
needed to establish a resource recovery model is readily attainable. The unprecedented
opportunity afforded by the federal commitment to invest in the development of the
infrastructure, including capital improvement expenditures comes at a critical time and we
encourage the county to take advantage of this opportunity.
Kristine Kubat
Executive Director
Recycle Hawaii
admin@recyclehawaii.org
808-747-4246