Requires the department of land and natural resources to implement a comprehensive recycling program in all state parks and recreation areas. Requires that at minimum, glass and bottle recycling under this program shall be fully implemented by 1/1/07.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that removing certain materials from the municipal solid waste stream will decrease the flow of solid waste into landfill facilities, aid in conservation and recovery of valuable resources, conserve energy, and increase the supply of reusable raw materials. Recycling of reusable waste materials will substantially reduce the required capacity of landfills.

The legislature further finds that it is in the public interest to mandate recycling of segregated recyclable materials in all state parks and recreation areas, so that these materials may be returned to the economic mainstream in the form of raw materials or products rather than being disposed at landfills. The legislature further finds that recycling demonstrates the State's commitment to proper waste management, conservation of non-renewable natural resources, conservation of energy, extended landfill life, reduced long term landfill liability, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and promotion of a conservation ethic.

The purpose of this Act is to require the department of land and natural resources to adopt a comprehensive recycling program in all state parks and recreation areas. While implementation of the program shall progress without undue delay, at minimum, glass and beverage bottle separation and recycling shall be fully implemented in all state parks and recreation areas by January 1, 2007.

SECTION 2. Chapter 184, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§184-   Recycling program for state parks and recreation areas. The department shall develop and implement a comprehensive recycling program in all state parks and recreation areas. The program shall promote and implement waste reduction, source separation, and recycling of recyclable and reusable material to the maximum extent possible. The department of health shall fully cooperate with the department in implementing the provisions of this section."

SECTION 3. The department of land and natural resources shall develop and implement the comprehensive recycling program established by this Act without undue delay; provided that at minimum, glass and beverage bottle separation and recycling shall be fully implemented in all state parks and recreation areas by January 1, 2007, consistent with the intent of this Act and part VIII of chapter 342G, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

SECTION 4. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun, before its effective date.

SECTION 5. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.