MEDIA RELEASE

The Solid Waste Advisory Committee invites the public to comment on the draft County of Hawai`i Integrated Resources and Solid Waste Management Plan Update, The Path to Zero Waste (IRSWMP Update). This plan covers all aspects of waste management on the Big Island undertaken by the County of Hawai`i, including waste reduction, education, recycling, composting, collection, transfer, and disposal. The plan outlines a number of potential changes to the County’s current system, including:

• Initiatives that move the County on a path toward zero waste by focusing on legislation and programs that treat waste as a resource, including programs to help keep organic materials out of the County landfills;
• Implementing a “pay-as-you-throw” system at county recycling and transfer stations where dropping off recyclable materials is free, but garbage must be delivered using pre-purchased bags or tags;
• Rebuilding and providing improved services at recycling and transfer stations, while making changes to the operating hours for selected stations and potentially closing some stations permanently;
• Legislation that makes recycling certain types of waste materials mandatory for residents and businesses, and charging significantly higher tip fees at the landfill for loads that contain designated recyclables;
• A strategy to provide for disposal of residual waste or non-recyclable materials after the current South Hilo landfill reaches its maximum capacity;
• Improved opportunities to keep household hazardous wastes and electronic wastes out of County landfills and transfer stations; and
• Requiring a detailed waste reduction plan prior to issuing building or demolition permits.

These meetings are the third in a series of three sets of public meetings held as part of the IRSWMP Update. At the meetings, CH2M HILL, the consulting firm engaged to prepare the IRSWMP, will present a summary of the recommendations in the IRSWMP Update and will be available to respond to your feedback.

Get involved!

Help us shape the future of solid waste management on the Big Island!

The June 2009 public meetings will be held at the following locations and times:

VOLCANO: Monday, June 1, 2009
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Cooper Center
19-4039 Wright Rd., Volcano

PÄ€HOA: Tuesday, June 2, 2009
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Pāhoa Neighborhood Center
15-2710 Kauhale Rd., Pāhoa

HILO: Tuesday, June 2, 2009
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Aupuni Center Conference Room
101 Pauahi Street, Hilo

NĀ‘ĀLEHU: Wednesday, June 3, 2009
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Nā‘ālehu Clubhouse
95-5635 Old Mamalahoa Hwy., Nā‘ālehu

LAUPÄ€HOEHOE Thursday, June 4, 2009
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Laupahoehoe Public School Library
35-2065 Old Mamalahoa Hwy., Laupahoehoe

WAIMEA: Thursday, June 4, 2009
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Parker School Theatre
65-1224 Lindsey Rd., Kamuela

KONA 1: Friday, June 5, 2009
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Hawai‘i County Services at Hanama Place
75-5706 Kuakini Hwy, Suite 103B, Kailua-Kona

KONA 2: Friday, June 5, 2009
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Hawai‘i County Services at Hanama Place
75-5706 Kuakini Hwy, Suite 103B, Kailua-Kona

The meeting places are accessible to persons with disabilities. To request an Auxiliary Aid or language translation, please call 961-8270 at least five days prior to the meeting date. Comments may be sent to the attention of Suzanne Andrade at the Department of Environmental Management, Solid Waste Division, 108 Railroad Ave., Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 or e-mailed to sandrade@co.hawaii.hi.us.

For more information call Mike Dworsky, Solid Waste Division Chief at 961-8515.