RECYCLE
HAWAI`I
PRESS
RELEASE
For Further
Information:
Contact Robyn
Skudlarek; 889-0992
robyn@no.address
FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
DEALING
WITH OUR ISLAND’S RUBBISH – THE NEXT STEP
COMMUNITY MEETINGS SET FOR
SEPTEMBER
Hilo,
Hawai`i – August 25, 2008 - The Big Island has a rubbish problem, which
is fast becoming a crisis. The Hilo
landfill will be completely full in the next 2-4 years. Before that happens, it
is important that our communities come together and discuss solutions to this
complex problem – a problem that impacts every resident as well as those who
come here to visit.
A possible solution, one that was endorsed by
a majority of the Hawai’i County Council in October 2007, is to develop a plan
based on the concepts of Zero Waste. Though Zero Waste has many aspects, its
primary goal is to find better uses for the materials that we usually take
to the landfill - with the aim
of reducing waste to as close to zero as possible. HI5 and mixed-bin recycling is clearly part of
that effort, but so is keeping green waste and compostable items out of the
landfill, creating more reuse opportunities for clothing, household goods, and
building supplies, reducing packaging and transport costs by purchasing food
from local farmers, and making it more convenient for island residents to
properly dispose of hazardous and electronic waste.
During the month of September, residents will
have many opportunities to learn about Zero Waste through a series of community
forums. Zero Waste experts Richard
Anthony Associates from San Diego will facilitate these forums. The goals are to
provide information about Zero Waste, to bring stakeholders, such as recyclers,
haulers, farmers, and associated businesses, together with interested citizens
in order to share information and ideas, and ultimately,
to develop a plan of action for Hawai’i
County.
You can attend a public meeting at any of the
following locations; some meetings have a particular emphasis, but all are
welcome.
Kona
– Meetings from 6:00-8:00pm
September 8 and
10: The Mayor’s Office Conference Room (behind the Big Island
Grill)
September 9: Liquor Commission Conference Room;
75-5722 Hanama Place
#1107
• September 8: Reuse & Recycling, Special
Discards
• September 9: Education and
Policy
• September10: Organics
‘Our
Island’s Rubbish’ press release page 2
Waimea
September 11:
Thelma Parker Library
6:00-8:00pm
All key players
and interested community members
Kapa’au,
North Kohala
September 12: Old
Kapa`au Courthouse/Senior Center (located next to the Kamehameha statue)
6:00-8:00pm
All key players
and interested community members
Kohala
Coast
September 13: Zero Waste Conference at Mauna Lani –
Public Session
9:00am-Noon
Any interested
party
Hilo
September 15: Mokupapapa Discovery Center, 308
Kamehameha Avenue
5:00-7:00pm
Reuse &
Recycling
Pahoa
September 17: B&B at 13-3775 Kalapana Highway
5:00-7:00pm
Organics
Hilo
- both meetings held at Naniloa Volcanoes Resort ( Kilohana Room) from 5:00-7:00pm
• September 18: Special Discards
• September 19: Education &
Policy
In addition to the public meetings, a Zero
Waste conference, sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and
Hawaii Island Economic Development Board, is being held at the Mauna Lani Hotel and
Bungalows from September 11-13.
Along with Richard Anthony
Associates, Zero Waste experts Professor Gunter Pauli, Paul Connett PhD,
Neil Seldman PhD, and Richard Flammer will be presenting. Representatives from Hawai’i County will also
be in attendance, offering the perspective of our local government. For more
information about the conference, contact HIEDB at 935-2180 or visit: www.hiedb.org/zero-waste-conference-2008
Community meetings are brought to you by the
County of Hawai`i, Councilman Bob Jacobson, and Recycle Hawai'i. For more
information, call 969-2012 or go to Recycle Hawai'i’s website at
www.recyclehawaii.org.