Requesting The Department Of Health To Convene A Demolition Waste Reduction Working Group.
The establishment of this working group is expected to foster collaboration across various sectors involved in construction and demolition. By bringing together stakeholders from different industries, including construction, demolition, recycling, and public health, the working group aims to devise strategic solutions that can promote deconstruction, material reuse, and other sustainability measures, significantly benefiting Hawaii's environmental goals. The resolution acknowledges that current efforts by local nonprofits are inadequate due to systemic barriers, emphasizing the importance of coordinated action.
Senate Resolution 141 requests the Department of Health in Hawaii to establish a Demolition Waste Reduction Working Group. The resolution is driven by the urgent need to address the growing waste crisis in Hawaii, where landfills are nearing capacity and face opposition for expansion. Construction and demolition waste, which constitutes a significant portion of landfill mass, is identified as a critical contributor to this crisis, prompting the need for more sustainable management strategies that can lessen the reliance on landfills.
While the resolution generally garners support for its intention to mitigate waste and promote sustainability, it also highlights significant concerns regarding environmental justice. The potential locations for landfills have disproportionately affected disadvantaged communities, raising questions about equitable waste management practices. As the working group develops strategies, it is crucial that they address the historical injustices tied to waste management sites and actively involve impacted communities in the decision-making process.
Furthermore, the working group is tasked with developing incentives for practices that support circular economy principles in the construction sector. This includes exploring successful frameworks from other regions known for their advancements in sustainable waste management, aiming to both reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support the state's goal of carbon neutrality by 2045, as outlined in previous legislation.