Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Energy, Environment, and International Affairs and Business and Economic Development, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 118 entitled:

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to encourage the Department of Land and Natural Resources to place reverse vending machines in state parks, and to have these machines in place in the most heavily-used state parks by January 1, 2007.

The testimony received from the Department of Health supported the intent of the measure but declined to take a position, deferring to the Department of Land and Natural Resources. The Department of Land and Natural Resources offered testimony in opposition to the measure.

Your Committees find that reverse vending machines are a convenient way to remove recyclable materials from solid waste that ends up in landfills. Your Committees also find that placing reverse vending machines in state parks will increase accessibility to recycling, with the added benefit of minimizing litter in state parks. Thus, your Committees find that placing reverse vending machines in state parks will help carry out the purposes of Act 176, Session Laws of Hawaii 2002, which include a deposit beverage container program to effectuate proper waste management.

Your Committees have taken into account testimony from the Department of Land and Natural Resources indicating that implementation of a reverse vending machine program in state parks may be difficult due to funding and personnel constraints. Your Committees believe that the provision that reverse vending machines be installed in the most heavily-utilized state parks by January 1, 2007, is reasonable and can be achieved. Your Committees also believe that the provision gives the Department of Land and Natural Resources needed latitude to determine which parks are heavily-used and should therefore receive reverse vending machines by January 1, 2007.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Energy, Environment, and International Affairs and Business and Economic Development that are attached to this report, your Committees concur with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 118 and recommend that it be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.