STAND. COM. REP. NO. 495-22

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2022

RE: H.B. No. 1992

H.D. 2

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection, to which was referred H.B. No. 1992, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE ENVIRONMENT,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Permit composting and co-composting operations in agricultural districts; and

(2) Appropriate funds for an Environmental Specialist IV position for the Department of Health Solid and Hazardous Waste Branch.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, County of Hawai‘i Department of Environmental Management, County of Maui Department of Environmental Management, Climate Protectors Hawai‘i, 350Hawaii, Hawai‘i Alliance for Progressive Action, North Shore Economic Vitality Partnership, Sustainable Coastlines Hawai‘i, and two individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Budget and Finance, Department of Health, Department of Agriculture, and Hawai‘i Farm Bureau.

Your Committee finds that composting is currently not allowed in agricultural districts, which creates a barrier for composting entities from obtaining the permits necessary to establish operations. This measure expands composting opportunities in the State, which could result in the reuse of materials that would otherwise end up in landfills, improved soil health, and increased crop yields.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Inserting language that establishes a new permanent full-time equivalent Environmental Health Specialist IV position for the Solid and Hazardous Waste Branch of the Department of Health; and

(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1992, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1992, H.D. 2.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection,

____________________________

NICOLE E. LOWEN, Chair