HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-10-24 Ordinance for Waste Reduction in Hawaii Film IndustryOctober 24, 2023
Commissioner Laura Acasio
RECOMMENDATION FOR AN ORDINANCE
As part of the Hawaii County permitting process, the ordinance would require film
production companies to submit a waste management plan that details the types and
approximate volumes of waste that will be generated during their production and how
they will be managed. The ordinance would require the plan to detail strategies aimed at
reducing waste; it would also require the plan to provide local nonprofit organizations
with access to materials suitable for salvage or redemption, including construction
materials and Hi5 containers.
Rationale: Film production crews generate significant quantities of waste and have been
known to send these materials to landfill, including those that are easily diverted such as
green waste and Hi5 containers. County efforts to expand the movie industry, will only
increase these impacts.
A handful of local, smaller level production companies regularly contract with mainland
companies to provide on-site logistics, and, while many of them are eager and willing to
provide services that would reduce waste-related environmental impacts, they report that
they are unable to do so because such activities are not included in production budgets.
Making waste management plans a requirement for Hawaii Island film productions will
ensure that funding for these activities will be included in production budgets.