Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HR115

Introduced
3/10/23  
Refer
3/15/23  
Refer
3/21/23  
Report Pass
3/29/23  
Refer
3/29/23  
Report Pass
4/5/23  

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Health's Solid Waste Section, Subject To The Availability Of Funding, To Investigate Strategies For Improved Waste Diversion By Working With The Counties To Address Each County's Unique Needs According To Its Geography, Population, And Industry Make-up.

Impact

The resolution indirectly influences the existing frameworks that govern waste management in the state. By urging the Department of Health to assess the potential of shipping waste between counties for recycling and incineration, it could lead to enhanced efficiency in waste management strategies statewide. This aligns with the Hawaii 2050 Sustainability Plan by pushing for a more integrated approach to sustainability and waste reduction, promoting practices that may benefit both local economies and environmental health. Furthermore, the eventual findings and recommendations from this investigation could dictate future legislative efforts to amend or enhance state laws related to solid waste handling.

Summary

House Resolution 115 requests the Department of Health's Solid Waste Section to investigate strategies for improving waste diversion across counties in Hawaii. The resolution emphasizes the importance of addressing each county's unique geographical, population, and industrial characteristics when developing waste management strategies. It highlights the disparity between current waste diversion rates and established goals, aiming to bring about more effective collaboration among counties in managing their solid waste and enhancing recycling efforts. Through this investigation, the resolution seeks to align the counties' individual goals with state-level objectives concerning waste management.

Sentiment

Discussions surrounding HR115 reflect a proactive sentiment towards waste management in Hawaii. Proponents view the bill as a crucial step towards achieving sustainability and addressing the growing waste challenges in the state. They believe that better coordination and communication between counties will lead to effective waste management solutions. However, some concerns were raised about the potential costs and logistical challenges associated with implementing inter-county waste management practices, particularly regarding funding and resource allocation.

Contention

One notable point of contention is the reliance on 'availability of funding' for the Department of Health to carry out its assessments and recommendations. Critics may argue that without guaranteed funding, the effectiveness and implementation of proposed strategies could be stymied. Furthermore, the autonomy of individual county waste management agencies might lead to discrepancies in cooperation and adaptation of state-directed strategies, which could dilute the effectiveness of an inter-county approach. Balancing local needs with state directives remains a critical consideration as stakeholders engage in this legislative discourse.

Companion Bills

HI HCR109

Same As Requesting The Department Of Health's Solid Waste Section, Subject To The Availability Of Funding, To Investigate Strategies For Improved Waste Diversion By Working With The Counties To Address Each County's Unique Needs According To Its Geography, Population, And Industry Make-up.

Previously Filed As

HI HB895

Relating To Organic Waste Diversion.

HI SB649

Relating To Packaging Waste.

HI SCR53

Requesting That The Department Of Agriculture Convene An Advisory Commission To Address Certain Issues To Guide Action And Progress In The Agriculture, Aquaculture, And Food Systems Industries Of The State.

HI SR41

Requesting That The Department Of Agriculture Convene An Advisory Commission To Address Certain Issues To Guide Action And Progress In The Agriculture, Aquaculture, And Food Systems Industries Of The State.

HI HR36

Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Convene A Working Group To Inform The Public About The Options Available To Address The State's Feral Chicken Population.

HI SB1458

Relating To Waste Management.

HI SB1262

Relating To Organic Waste.

HI HCR47

Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Convene A Working Group To Inform The Public About The Options Available To Address The State's Feral Chicken Population.

HI HR132

Requesting The Department Of Health To Conduct A Feasibility Study On The Implementation Of Continuous Monitoring And Sampling Technologies In Waste Combustion Facilities And Municipal Solid Waste Landfills.

HI HB2795

Relating To Solid Waste.

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