HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

1485

THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2022

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to litter control.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that litter is a continuing problem in the State.  In addition to being visually unappealing along roadways and in public spaces, litter is the cause of many environmental issues, such as the contamination of local waterways and the ocean.  The legislature further finds that cleaning the environment is essential to the life and survival of the State and the planet.  Properly maintaining a clean environment reduces pollution, preserves the biosphere, protects endangered species, and conserves natural resources.  The cleanliness of a state represents that state's mentality, and Hawaii, with its abundance of natural resources, ought to be a frontrunner in promoting a clean and healthy environment to protect and preserve its unique natural resources.

     The legislature also finds that anti-litter campaigns are a proven and effective way to raise public awareness and promote civic responsibility toward the reduction of litter in the State.  Currently, the department of transportation administers the adopt-a-highway program, which is a public service program that allows environmentally conscious citizens to contribute to a cleaner Hawaii by using volunteers to pick up litter along the State's highways.  The existing program requires a program participant to clean a two-mile portion of a state highway for a minimum of two years, pick up litter on that highway at least four times per year, and provide safety training for their volunteers.  The legislature believes that reducing the minimum years a program participant must agree to clean up litter on a state highway to one year will promote increase participation from more organizations and people.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to:

     (1)  Require the department of transportation to reduce the minimum number of years an adopt-a-highway program participant must agree to clean up litter on a highway from two years to one year; and

     (2)  Appropriate funds for the department of transportation to establish an anti-litter campaign.

     SECTION 2.  The department of transportation shall amend the requirements for the adopt-a-highway program to reduce the minimum number of years a program participant must agree to clean up litter on a highway from two years to one year.

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2022-2023 to establish an anti-litter campaign.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of transportation for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2022.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

 

 

 

 

Report Title:

Department of Transportation; Litter Control; Adopt-a-highway; Anti-litter Campaign; Appropriation

 

Description:

Requires the department of transportation to amend the adopt‑a‑highway program to reduce the minimum number of years a program participant must agree to clean up litter on a highway from two years to one year.  Appropriates funds for the department of transportation to establish an anti-litter campaign.

 

 

 

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