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THE SENATE |
S.R. NO. |
78 |
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TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008 |
S.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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SENATE RESOLUTION
REQUESTING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A VOLUNTARY COMPLIANCE PROGRAM TO ENCOURAGE COMMUNITIES AND BUSINESSES TO CONVERT TO EXPANDED POLYSTYRENE FOAM ALTERNATIVE PRODUCTS.
WHEREAS, expanded polystyrene foam (commonly known as styrofoam) is a common petroleum-based product that does not biodegrade; and
WHEREAS, Haleiwa town's Plastic Free Haleiwa coalition provides a tremendous example and excellent model of community members and business owners working together to reduce and ultimately eliminate the use of disposable plastics, including expanded polystyrene foam products, in their community; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-fourth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2008, that the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) is requested to create a voluntary compliance program to encourage communities and businesses to convert to alternative products, other than expanded polystyrene foam products; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that DBEDT is requested to submit a report containing the contents, actions, and results of the voluntary compliance program to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the start of each regular session, and that the report may include but is not limited to suggestions, comments, or requests for legislative action; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that DBEDT is requested to create a list of alternative products to replace polystyrene foam products and their cost differences, and to make the information available to the public. The list of alternative products is to be categorized as follows:
(1) Products made in Hawaii;
(2) Products made in the United State of America; and
(3) Products imported from foreign countries.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that DBEDT is requested to conduct a comparison study of the recyclability, compostability, and biodegradability of the alternative products, along with the availability of disposal methods for each product, and to submit the results of the study to the Legislature, no later than twenty days before the start of each regular session, including recommendations regarding:
(1) Which alternative products can be effectively disposed of avoiding the use of landfill facilities;
(2) The infrastructure requirements of recycling, composting, or biodegrading each of the alternative products; and
(3) Which products best meet the needs of the State of Hawaii with respect to sustainability, cost effectiveness, and environmental desirability; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor; Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; and the Mayor and Council Chairperson of each county of the State.
DBEDT Voluntary Program; Polystyrene Foam Alternative Products