HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-06-23 EMC testimony - Agenda V.2.2 - (06-21) Mitsumori, MicheleFrom:M Mitsumori
To:Sur, Peter
Subject:Testimony for EMC"s Meeting - Agenda Item V.2.2 - Continued discussion of EMC county landfill diversion
ordinance initiative
Date:Wednesday, June 21, 2023 9:06:59 PM
Aloha, Members of the Environmental Management Commission,
My name is Michele Mitsumori, and I am a resident of Hilo.
I am writing to support a county landfill ban for certain recyclable items such as green waste, metals,
plastics, paper, paperboard and glass from landfilling.
I encourage a ban that would ensure convenient and safe recycling alternatives, and what positive
incentives, in addition to or in lieu of penalties, could be implemented to motivate residents and agencies
to recycle. A study of current recycling efforts, including the HI5, cardboard, glass and electronic waste
programs, as part of developing the ban would be ideal.
I oppose incineration as an alternative to landfilling. Hawaii County's own Life Cycle Analysis found that
incineration resulted in more carbon emissions and greater environmental damage costs per ton of
materials than landfilling. Nor is incineration part of a zero waste philosophy.
Thank you for the opportunity to submit testimony in support of this county landfill ban.
Sincerely,
Michele MItsumori
Hilo, Hawai`i