THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	1093
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to the composting grant program.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that on-site school campus composting programs involving students have been very successful and provide a useful method of waste diversion. These programs provide numerous benefits to students, taxpayers, and the environment.

The legislature further finds that Act 207, Session Laws of Hawaii 2018, authorized the department of education to establish composting grant pilot projects in the State's schools. The legislature believes that the success of these pilot projects warrant the program's implementation on a broader scale.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish a permanent composting grant program within the department of education.

SECTION 2. Chapter 302A Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section part II, subpart C, to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§302A- Composting grant program. (a) There is established within the department a composting grant program. The purpose of the program shall be to:

(1) Create opportunities for waste diversion in schools;

(2) Engage students in learning about multiple composting and fermentation methods, as well as methods to test and monitor for effectiveness;

(3) Develop nutrient-rich soil for school gardens and local agricultural endeavors;

(4) Decrease the amount of methane-producing waste directed to landfills; and

(5) Decrease the overall cost to taxpayers of hauling trash.

(b) In establishing the composting grant program, the department shall:

(1) Develop, adopt, and implement campus composting guidelines, in conjunction with department of health rules, to provide system-wide guidance, including guidance on:

(A) Leachate monitoring;

(B) Pathogen testing;

(C) Community involvement;

(D) Fire safety;

(E) Material categorization; and

(F) Volume recording.

(2) Develop and establish networks and relationships with local farms and piggeries that may accept surplus food waste; and

(3) Develop and implement guidelines for grant recipients to ensure the program is effective.

(c) The department may issue grants to establish composting programs in department schools in accordance with this section. The department shall adopt rules, pursuant to chapter 91, to implement the composting grant program.

(d) The Hawaii farm to school program, established under section 302A-405.5, shall provide oversight of the composting grant program."

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 2023-2024 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 for the composting grant program.

The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2023.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

DOE; Composting Grant Program; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes and provides moneys for the composting grant program in the Department of Education.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.