Hawaii Senate Bill SCR220

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/24
• Refer: 3/14/24
• Report Pass: 4/3/24
• Engrossed: 4/4/24
• Refer: 4/5/24
• Report Pass: 4/15/24
• Passed: 4/16/24

Caption

Urging The Hawaii Construction Industry To Increase The Recycling Of Construction And Demolition Debris And To Expand The Usage Of Recycled Construction Materials To The Greatest Extent Possible.

Impact

The resolution encourages the construction industry to not only recycle more waste but also to make greater use of recycled construction materials. This proposed shift could significantly reduce the volume of waste sent to landfills, potentially diverting around 2,000 tons of waste daily. The benefits of this bill are twofold: it would help ease the burden on over-capacity landfills while also promoting sustainability within the construction sector itself. This aligns with broader efforts in environmental stewardship and responsible waste management in Hawaii.

Summary

SCR220, a Senate Concurrent Resolution in the State of Hawaii, urges the construction industry to enhance the recycling of construction and demolition debris. This initiative responds to the pressing concern that many landfills across Hawaii are projected to reach maximum capacity within the next decade. The resolution highlights both the environmental benefits of increased recycling efforts and the necessity to manage waste more sustainably as landfill capacities decline. Given the anticipated closure of landfills, such as the Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill by 2028, the urgency to address construction waste has become critical.

Contention

Opposition to SCR220 may arise from concerns regarding the transport and processing capabilities for these recycled materials and the potential costs involved for construction companies. Some stakeholders could argue that increasing recycling rates could lead to higher operational costs, particularly if sufficient infrastructure and incentives are not put in place to support the transition. As discussions unfold, it will be essential to strike a balance between encouraging responsible recycling practices without imposing undue burdens on the construction industry.