This bill will require each county in Hawaii to incorporate the newly established requirements into their next integrated solid waste management plan revisions. This will necessitate each county to identify strategies for organic waste management and diversion, thus pushing local governments to address organic waste more effectively. By mandating diversion practices, the bill seeks to enhance the state's overall waste management strategies and promote a more sustainable approach to waste handling.
Summary
SB2674 is a legislative proposal aimed at addressing organic waste management in the State of Hawaii. The bill amends existing statutes to introduce new definitions pertaining to organic waste, specifically designating it as material that is biodegradable and includes various types of waste such as food waste and green waste. The bill emphasizes the importance of waste diversion and sets a target for counties to achieve diversion of all organic waste produced by certain facilities by January 1, 2025.
Contention
While the bill seems to carry forward the goals of sustainability and effective environmental management, there may be points of contention regarding the implementation of these mandates at the county level. Counties may face challenges relating to financial resources and capacity to develop the revised management plans within the stipulated time frame. Moreover, discussions may arise around the specifics of organic waste definitions and how they impact different sectors or industries operating within the counties.
To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022.