Hawaii Senate Bill SB3115

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/26/22
• Refer: 1/26/22

Caption

Relating To Municipal Solid Waste Landfill Permits.

Impact

The enactment of SB 3115 would have significant implications for solid waste management in Hawaii. By restoring DOH's permitting authority over federal landfills, the state will enhance regulatory oversight, ensuring that all landfills comply with both state and federal environmental standards. The inability of the DOH to issue permits for federal landfills previously raised concerns about non-compliance with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. By ensuring adherence to permit requirements, the bill helps to maintain the integrity of Hawaii's waste management framework and promotes environmental protection across municipalities.

Summary

Senate Bill 3115 addresses the regulatory framework for municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills in Hawaii. This legislation aims to reinstate the authority of the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) to issue permits for federal municipal solid waste landfills. Previously, Act 73 of the Session Laws of Hawaii 2020 removed the inclusion of 'any federal agency' from the definition of 'person' under section 342H-52, thereby exempting them from obtaining necessary permits from the DOH. The current bill seeks to correct this omission to ensure that all MSW landfills, regardless of ownership, are subject to state permitting requirements to safeguard human health and the environment.

Contention

Despite its intentions, the bill may face contention from various stakeholders. Some opponents might argue that reintroducing strict regulatory oversight could inflate operational costs for landfill operators, potentially impacting the management strategies of municipalities that rely on efficient waste disposal methods. Furthermore, there could be concerns from federal agencies regarding state oversight of federally operated landfills. Proponents, however, emphasize that the bill is essential for ensuring comprehensive environmental compliance and preventing future losses of approved waste management programs. The balance between regulatory efficiency and environmental responsibility will be a key discussion point as the bill progresses.