THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2545
THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2022
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

Relating to compostING GRANT program.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that on-site school campus composting programs involving students have been very successful in providing a beneficial method of waste diversion. The programs provide numerous benefits to students, taxpayers, and the environment.

The legislature further finds that Act 207, Session Laws of Hawaii 2018, authorized the department of education to establish composting grant pilot projects in schools.

The purpose of this Act is to establish a permanent composting grant program within the department of education.

SECTION 2. Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part II, subpart C, to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§302A-   Composting grant program. (a) There is established within the department a composting grant program. The purpose of the composting grant program shall be to:

(1) Address opportunities for waste diversion in schools;

(2) Engage students to learn about multiple composting and fermentation methods, as well as methods to test and monitor for effectiveness;

(3) Develop nutrient-rich soil for school gardens and local agricultural endeavors;

(4) Decrease the amount of methane-producing waste directed to landfills; and

(5) Decrease the overall trash hauling cost to taxpayers.

(b) In establishing the composting grant program, the department shall:

(1) Develop, adopt, and implement campus composting guidelines in conjunction with department of health rules for system-wide guidance, which shall include leachate monitoring, pathogen testing, involvement of community members, development of a fire plan, material categorization, and volume recording;

(2) Develop and establish networks and relationships with local farms and piggeries that may be able to accept surplus food waste; and

(3) Develop and establish guidelines for grant recipients to ensure program effectiveness.

(c) The department may issue grants to establish composting programs in department schools in accordance with this section. The department shall adopt rules, pursuant to chapter 91, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to implement the composting grant program.

(d) The department's farm to school program, established under section 302A-405.5, shall provide oversight of the composting grant program."

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Department of Education; School Composting Grant Program

Description:

Establishes permanent school composting grant program within the Department of Education.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.