Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 178 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to convene a special task force to evaluate new approaches to the management of electronic and automotive solid waste.

Testimony in support of this measure was submitted by the Department of Accounting and General Services, the Legislative Information Services of Hawaii, the Retail Merchants of Hawaii, the Windward Ahupua'a Alliance, and the Hawaii Automobile Dealers' Association. Hewlett-Packard Company presented comments in support of the intent of this measure and offered comments. The Department of Health presented comments in support of the measure's intent but expressed reservations about the proposed study's potential cost.

Your Committee finds that Hawaii is experiencing an unprecedented increase in the amount of automotive and electronic waste, much of which is improperly disposed, threatening the health of the State's citizens. Your Committee also finds that the development of a comprehensive solid waste management plan will help the State to meet its goal of reducing the solid waste stream, as mandated by the State's integrated solid waste management law.

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 concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 178 and recommends its adoption.