RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, plasma-arc torch technology offers an alternative means of managing solid waste that will reduce the State's dependence on landfills; and

WHEREAS, plasma-arc torch technology is not an incineration process, but an extremely high temperature thermal treatment technology capable of extracting useful energy from solid waste and leaving as a byproduct chemically and biologically inert slag; and

WHEREAS, plasma-arc torch technology is capable of treating asbestos-containing waste, infectious biomedical waste, hazardous waste, and radioactive waste to the extent required to eliminate threats posed by these wastes to human health and the environment; and

WHEREAS, the permitting process in the State for such a processing facility can be highly layered and complex, posing a considerable obstacle for newcomers to the State who are unfamiliar with the applicable state and county laws; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2003, the Senate concurring, that the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism is respectfully requested to assist in the accommodation of a plasma-arc torch facility in the State; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department is requested to meet with prospective applicants to facilitate understanding of the regulatory requirements and processes, educating the counties and the public on the relative benefits of plasma-arc torch technology compared to current landfill disposal practices, and assisting prospective applicants with all permitting applications; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.

Report Title:

Business Development