STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1290-08

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2008

RE:   S.B. No. 2571

      S.D. 1

      H.D. 1

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2008

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Education, to which was referred S.B. No. 2571, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD WASTE RECYCLING,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this bill is to encourage recycling at Hawaii's public schools by requiring the Department of Education (DOE), in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH), to develop and implement a three-year food waste recycling pilot project in one or more schools.

     The Hawaii Food Industry Association testified in support of this bill.  Styrophobia LLC, supported this measure with amendments.  DOE opposed this bill.

     Your Committee notes that according to Styrophobia LLC, the financial implication of establishing the pilot project is minimal as resources are available in the community.  Waialae Elementary School has already switched to use of biodegradable and compostable food trays, which is one of the measures proposed to be included in the pilot project.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Education that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2571, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to the Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Education,

____________________________

ROY TAKUMI, Chair