HB 751: Solid Waste Reduction; Organic Waste Diversion; Benchmarks; Counties; Solid Waste Management Plans; Appropriations

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO ORGANIC WASTE.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the State did not reach statutory mandates established in 1991 to reduce the solid waste stream by fifty per cent by 2000.  The legislature further finds that the Aloha+ Challenge established the goal to reduce, by seventy per cent, the solid waste stream prior to disposal by 2030 through source reduction, recycling, bioconversion, and landfill diversion methods for organic waste.

     To meet United Nations Sustainable Development and Aloha+ Challenge goals related to waste reduction, there is a need to embed in statute existing goals and further benchmarks to track and require progress toward reducing solid waste production and increasing organic waste diversion.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to:

     (1)  Establish statewide goals for solid waste reduction and organic waste diversion; and

     (2)  Require each county to incorporate into its next integrated solid waste management plan revision a plan to divert certain organic waste generated within the county in alignment with established state benchmarks.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 342G, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§342G-    Benchmarks; organic waste generators.  It is the goal of the State to reduce the solid waste stream prior to disposal by requiring organic waste generators to divert material to any department-approved facility within twenty miles by:

     (1)  January 1, 2027:  (Tier 1) All wholesale food vendors, food service providers, food distributors, grocery stores greater than ten thousand square feet, supermarkets, hotels, and any entity generating one ton per week or one hundred four tons per year or more;

     (2)  January 1, 2030:  (Tier 2) All restaurants, local education agencies, large venues and event spaces, state agencies, health facilities, and any entity generating one-half ton per week or twenty-six tons per year or more;

     (3)  January 1, 2034:  Any multifamily complexes and any entity generating one-third ton per week or eighteen tons per year or more; and

     (4)  January 1, 2040:  Organic wastes shall be banned from landfills and co-generation plants, including organic wastes produced by single family residences."

     SECTION 3.  Section 342G-1, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding three new definitions to be appropriately inserted and to read as follows:

     ""Biodegradable" means capable of being broken down or decomposed into carbon dioxide, methane, or simpler organic compounds by bacteria or other living organisms.

     "Compostable" means comprised of one or more organic products that can disintegrate into non-toxic, natural elements at a rate consistent with similar organic materials and require microorganisms, humidity, and heat to yield a finished compost product, such as carbon dioxide, water, or biomass.

     "Organic waste" means any material that is compostable or biodegradable and is derived from either a plant or an animal.  "Organic waste" includes green waste, food waste, and untreated and unpainted wood waste."

     SECTION 4.  Section 342G-3, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending its title and subsections (a) and (b) to read as follows:

     "[[]§342G-3[]]  Goals.  (a)  It is the goal of the State to reduce the solid waste stream prior to disposal by:

     (1)  [Twenty-five] Forty per cent by January 1, [1995;] 2027; and

     (2)  [Fifty] Seventy per cent by January 1, [2000;] 2035,

through source reduction, recycling, and bioconversion.  Where feasible, the office shall establish other state goals for specific commodities, recognizing market considerations.

     (b)  It is the goal of the State to [reduce by not less than twenty-five per cent the amount of office paper generated by all state and county agencies by January 1, 1995, through source reduction.  The base year for calculating progress toward this goal shall be total office paper consumption by state and county agencies in 1990.] eliminate organic waste stream disposal via incineration, waste-to-energy, or landfill by 2040."

     SECTION 5.  Section 342G-26, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (c) to read as follows:

     "(c)  The recycling and bioconversion component shall identify and assess:

     (1)  The level of waste reduction the county is achieving through existing recycling and bioconversion efforts;

     (2)  The type and amount of solid waste that it is technically and economically feasible to recycle or alter through bioconversion; [and]

     (3)  Methods to increase and improve the recycling and bioconversion efforts, including opportunities for backyard composting[.]; and

     (4)  Diversion of all organic waste produced within the county by organic waste generators subject to the benchmarks established in section 342G-  .

     For recycling, the counties shall assess the type and amount of solid waste that it is technically feasible to recycle, giving consideration at a minimum to clear glass, colored glass, aluminum, steel and bimetallic cans, high-grade office paper, newsprint, mixed paper, corrugated paper, HDPE, PET, and green waste.

     For bioconversion, the counties shall assess the type and amount of solid waste that it is technically feasible to alter through bioconversion, giving consideration at a minimum to green waste, wood waste, animal manure, sewage sludge, and food wastes."

     SECTION 6.  Each county shall incorporate the new requirement established by section 4 of this Act into its next integrated solid waste management plan revision for submission to the office of solid waste management pursuant to section 342G-24, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

     SECTION 7.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the purposes of this Act.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 8.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 9.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.

Report Title:

Solid Waste Reduction; Organic Waste Diversion; Benchmarks; Counties; Solid Waste Management Plans; Appropriations

Description:

Establishes statewide goals for solid waste reduction and organic waste diversion.  Requires each county to incorporate into its next integrated solid waste management plan revision a plan to divert certain organic waste generated within the county in alignment with established state benchmarks.  Appropriates funds.  Effective 7/1/2050.  (SD1)

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

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO ORGANIC WASTE.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the State did not reach mandates established in 1991 to reduce the solid waste stream by fifty per cent by 2000.  The legislature further finds that the Aloha+ Challenge established the goal to reduce by seventy per cent the solid waste stream prior to disposal by 2030 through source reduction, recycling, bioconversion, and landfill diversion methods for organic waste.

     To meet United Nations Sustainable Development and Aloha+ Challenge goals related to waste reduction, there is a need to embed in statute existing goals and further benchmarks to track and require progress toward reducing solid waste production and increasing organic waste diversion.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to:

     (1)  Establish statewide goals for solid waste reduction and organic waste diversion; and

     (2)  Require each county to incorporate into its next integrated solid waste management plan revision a plan to divert certain organic waste generated within the county in alignment with established state benchmarks.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 342G, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§342G-     Benchmarks; organic waste generators.  It is the goal of the State to reduce the solid waste stream prior to disposal by requiring organic waste generators to divert material to any department-approved facility within twenty miles by:

     (1)  January 1, 2027:  (Tier 1) All wholesale food vendors, food service providers, food distributors, grocery stores greater than ten thousand square feet, supermarkets, hotels, and any entity generating one ton per week or one hundred four tons per year or more;

     (2)  January 1, 2030:  (Tier 2) All restaurants, local education agencies, large venues and event spaces, state agencies, health facilities, and any entity generating one-half ton per week or twenty-six tons per year or more;

     (3)  January 1, 2034:  Any multifamily complexes and any entity generating one-third ton per week or eighteen tons per year or more; and

     (4)  January 1, 2040:  Organic wastes shall be banned from landfills and co-generation plants, including organic wastes produced by single family residences."

     SECTION 3.  Section 342G-1, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding three new definitions to be appropriately inserted and to read as follows:

     ""Biodegradable" means capable of being broken down or decomposed into carbon dioxide, methane, or simpler organic compounds by bacteria or other living organisms.

     "Compostable" means comprised of one or more organic products that can disintegrate into non-toxic, natural elements at a rate consistent with similar organic materials and require microorganisms, humidity, and heat to yield a finished compost product, such as carbon dioxide, water, or biomass.

     "Organic waste" means any material that is compostable or biodegradable and is derived from either a plant or an animal.  "Organic waste" includes green waste, food waste, compostable food packaging, and untreated and unpainted wood waste."

     SECTION 4.  Section 342G-3, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending its title and subsections (a) and (b) to read as follows:

     "[[]§342G-3[]]  Goals.  (a)  It is the goal of the State to reduce the solid waste stream prior to disposal by:

     (1)  [Twenty-five] Forty per cent by January 1, [1995;] 2027; and

     (2)  [Fifty] Seventy per cent by January 1, [2000;] 2035,

through source reduction, recycling, and bioconversion.  Where feasible, the office shall establish other state goals for specific commodities, recognizing market considerations.

     (b)  It is the goal of the State to [reduce by not less than twenty-five per cent the amount of office paper generated by all state and county agencies by January 1, 1995, through source reduction.  The base year for calculating progress toward this goal shall be total office paper consumption by state and county agencies in 1990.] eliminate organic waste stream disposal via incineration, waste-to-energy, or landfill by 2040."

     SECTION 5.  Section 342G-26, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (c) to read as follows:

     "(c)  The recycling and bioconversion component shall identify and assess:

     (1)  The level of waste reduction the county is achieving through existing recycling and bioconversion efforts;

     (2)  The type and amount of solid waste that it is technically and economically feasible to recycle or alter through bioconversion; [and]

     (3)  Methods to increase and improve the recycling and bioconversion efforts, including opportunities for backyard composting[.]; and

     (4)  Diversion of all organic waste produced within the county by organic waste generators subject to the benchmarks established in section 342G-   .

     For recycling, the counties shall assess the type and amount of solid waste that it is technically feasible to recycle, giving consideration at a minimum to clear glass, colored glass, aluminum, steel and bimetallic cans, high-grade office paper, newsprint, mixed paper, corrugated paper, HDPE, PET, and green waste.

     For bioconversion, the counties shall assess the type and amount of solid waste that it is technically feasible to alter through bioconversion, giving consideration at a minimum to green waste, wood waste, animal manure, sewage sludge, and food wastes."

     SECTION 6.  Each county shall incorporate the new requirement established by section 4 of this Act into its next integrated solid waste management plan revision for submission to the office of solid waste management pursuant to section 342G-24, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

     SECTION 7.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the purposes of this Act.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 8.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 9.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

Solid Waste Reduction; Organic Waste Diversion; Benchmarks; Counties; Solid Waste Management Plans; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes statewide goals for solid waste reduction and organic waste diversion.  Requires each county to incorporate into its next integrated solid waste management plan revision a plan to divert certain organic waste generated within the county in alignment with established state benchmarks.  Appropriates funds.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD2)

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

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO ORGANIC WASTE.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the State did not reach mandates established in 1991 to reduce the solid waste stream by fifty per cent by 2000.  The legislature further finds that the Aloha+ Challenge established the goal to reduce by seventy per cent the solid waste stream prior to disposal by 2030 through source reduction, recycling, bioconversion, and landfill diversion methods for organic waste.

     To meet United Nations Sustainable Development and Aloha+ Challenge goals related to waste reduction, there is a need to embed in statute existing goals and further benchmarks to track and require progress toward reducing solid waste production and increasing organic waste diversion.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to:

     (1)  Establish statewide goals for solid waste reduction and organic waste diversion; and

     (2)  Require each county to incorporate into its next integrated solid waste management plan revision a plan to divert certain organic waste generated within the county in alignment with established state benchmarks.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 342G, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§342G-     Benchmarks; organic waste generators.  It is the goal of the State to reduce the solid waste stream prior to disposal by requiring organic waste generators to divert material to any department-approved facility within twenty miles by:

     (1)  January 1, 2027:  (Tier 1) All wholesale food vendors, food service providers, food distributors, grocery stores greater than ten thousand square feet, supermarkets, hotels, and any entity generating one ton per week or one hundred four tons per year or more;

     (2)  January 1, 2030:  (Tier 2) All restaurants, local education agencies, large venues and event spaces, state agencies, health facilities, and any entity generating one-half ton per week or twenty-six tons per year or more;

     (3)  January 1, 2034:  Any multifamily complexes and any entity generating one-third ton per week or eighteen tons per year or more; and

     (4)  January 1, 2040:  Organic wastes shall be banned from landfills and co-generation plants, including organic wastes produced by single family residences."

     SECTION 3.  Section 342G-1, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding three new definitions to be appropriately inserted and to read as follows:

     ""Biodegradable" means capable of being broken down or decomposed into carbon dioxide, methane, or simpler organic compounds by bacteria or other living organisms.

     "Compostable" means comprised of one or more organic products that can disintegrate into non-toxic, natural elements at a rate consistent with similar organic materials and require microorganisms, humidity, and heat to yield a finished compost product, such as carbon dioxide, water, or biomass.

     "Organic waste" means any material that is compostable or biodegradable and is derived from either a plant or an animal.  "Organic waste" includes green waste, food waste, compostable food packaging, and untreated and unpainted wood waste."

     SECTION 4.  Section 342G-3, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending its title and subsections (a) and (b) to read as follows:

     "[[]§342G-3[]]  Goals.  (a)  It is the goal of the State to reduce the solid waste stream prior to disposal by:

     (1)  [Twenty-five] Forty per cent by January 1, [1995;] 2027; and

     (2)  [Fifty] Seventy per cent by January 1, [2000;] 2035,

through source reduction, recycling, and bioconversion.  Where feasible, the office shall establish other state goals for specific commodities, recognizing market considerations.

     (b)  It is the goal of the State to [reduce by not less than twenty-five per cent the amount of office paper generated by all state and county agencies by January 1, 1995, through source reduction.  The base year for calculating progress toward this goal shall be total office paper consumption by state and county agencies in 1990.] eliminate organic waste stream disposal via incineration, waste-to-energy, or landfill by 2040.

     SECTION 5.  Section 342G-26, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (c) to read as follows:

     "(c)  The recycling and bioconversion component shall identify and assess:

     (1)  The level of waste reduction the county is achieving through existing recycling and bioconversion efforts;

     (2)  The type and amount of solid waste that it is technically and economically feasible to recycle or alter through bioconversion; [and]

     (3)  Methods to increase and improve the recycling and bioconversion efforts, including opportunities for backyard composting[.]; and

     (4)  Diversion of all organic waste produced within the county by organic waste generators subject to the benchmarks established in section 342G-   .

     For recycling, the counties shall assess the type and amount of solid waste that it is technically feasible to recycle, giving consideration at a minimum to clear glass, colored glass, aluminum, steel and bimetallic cans, high-grade office paper, newsprint, mixed paper, corrugated paper, HDPE, PET, and green waste.

     For bioconversion, the counties shall assess the type and amount of solid waste that it is technically feasible to alter through bioconversion, giving consideration at a minimum to green waste, wood waste, animal manure, sewage sludge, and food wastes."

     SECTION 6.  Each county shall incorporate the new requirement established by section 4 of this Act into its next integrated solid waste management plan revision for submission to the office of solid waste management pursuant to section 342G-24, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

     SECTION 7.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the department of health to reimburse the counties for incorporation of the new requirements under this Act into their respective integrated solid waste management plan revisions as required by this Act.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 8.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 9.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

Solid Waste Reduction; Organic Waste Diversion; Benchmarks; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes statewide goals for solid waste reduction and organic waste diversion.  Requires each county to incorporate into its next integrated solid waste management plan revision a plan to divert certain organic waste generated within the county in alignment with established state benchmarks.  Appropriates funds.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD1)

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

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to organic waste.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the State did not reach mandates established in 1991 to reduce the solid waste stream by fifty per cent by 2000.  The legislature also finds that the Aloha+ Challenge established the goal to reduce by seventy per cent the solid waste stream prior to disposal by 2030 through source reduction, recycling, bioconversion, and landfill diversion methods for organic waste.

     To meet United Nations Sustainable Development and Aloha+ Challenge goals related to waste reduction, there is a need to embed in statute existing goals and further benchmarks to track and require progress toward reducing solid waste production and increasing organic waste diversion.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 342G, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§342G-     Benchmarks.  It is the goal of the State to reduce the solid waste stream prior to disposal by requiring organic waste generators to divert material to any certified facility within twenty miles by:

     (1)  January 1, 2026:  (Tier 1) All wholesale food vendors, food service providers, food distributors, grocery stores greater than ten thousand square feet, supermarkets, hotels, and any entity generating one ton per week or one hundred four tons per year or more;

     (2)  January 1, 2030:  (Tier 2) All restaurants, local education agencies, large venues and event spaces, state agencies, health facilities, and any entity generating one-half ton per week or twenty-six tons per year or more;

     (3)  January 1, 2034:  Any multifamily complexes and any entity generating one-third ton per week or eighteen tons per year or more; and

     (4)  January 1, 2035:  Organic wastes shall be banned from landfills and co-generation plants, including that produced by single family residences."

     SECTION 3.  Section 342G-1, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding two new definitions to be appropriately inserted and to read as follows:

     ""Biodegradable" means capable of being broken down or decomposed into carbon dioxide, methane, or simpler organic compounds by bacteria or other living organisms.

     "Organic waste" means any material that is compostable or biodegradable and is derived from either a plant or an animal.  "Organic waste" includes green waste, food waste, food-soiled paper that is acceptable for food storage, and untreated and unpainted wood waste."

     SECTION 4.  Section 342G-3, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending its title and subsections (a) and (b) to read as follows:

     "[[]§342G-3[]]  Goals.  (a)  It is the goal of the State to reduce the solid waste stream prior to disposal by:

     (1)  [Twenty-five] Forty per cent by January 1, [1995;] 2026; and

     (2)  [Fifty] Seventy per cent by January 1, [2000;] 2030,

through source reduction, recycling, organic waste landfill diversion, and bioconversion.  Where feasible, the office shall establish other state goals for specific commodities, recognizing market considerations.

     (b)  It is the goal of the State to reduce [by not less than twenty-five per cent the amount of office paper generated by all state and county agencies by January 1, 1995, through source reduction.  The base year for calculating progress toward this goal shall be total office paper consumption by state and county agencies in 1990.] organic waste stream disposal via incineration, waste-to-energy, or landfill by:

     (1)  Forty per cent by January 1, 2026;

     (2)  Seventy per cent by January 1, 2030; and

     (3)  One hundred per cent by January 1, 2035."

     SECTION 5.  Section 342G-26, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (c) to read as follows:

     "(c)  The recycling [and], bioconversion, and organic waste diversion component shall identify and assess:

     (1)  The level of waste reduction the county is achieving through existing recycling and bioconversion efforts;

     (2)  The type and amount of solid waste that it is technically and economically feasible to recycle or alter through bioconversion; [and]

     (3)  Methods to increase and improve the recycling and bioconversion efforts, including opportunities for backyard composting[.]; and

     (4)  Diversion of all organic waste produced within the county by organic waste generators subject to the benchmarks established in section 342G-   .

     For recycling, the counties shall assess the type and amount of solid waste that it is technically feasible to recycle, giving consideration at a minimum to clear glass, colored glass, aluminum, steel and bimetallic cans, high-grade office paper, newsprint, mixed paper, corrugated paper, HDPE, PET, and green waste.

     For bioconversion, the counties shall assess the type and amount of solid waste that it is technically feasible to alter through bioconversion, giving consideration at a minimum to green waste, wood waste, animal manure, sewage sludge, and food wastes."

     SECTION 6.  Each county shall incorporate the new requirement established by section 4 of this Act into its next integrated solid waste management plan revision for submission to the office of solid waste management pursuant to section 342G-24, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

     SECTION 7.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the department of health to reimburse the counties for incorporation of the new requirements under this Act into their respective integrated solid waste management plan revisions as required by this Act.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 8.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 9.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.

Report Title:

Solid Waste Reduction; Organic Waste Diversion; Benchmarks; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes statewide goals for solid waste reduction and organic waste diversion.  Requires each county to incorporate into its next integrated solid waste management plan revision a plan to divert certain organic waste generated within the county in alignment with established state benchmarks.  Appropriates funds.

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

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1130

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 751

       H.D. 2

       S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committees on Agriculture and Environment and Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs, to which was referred H.B. No. 751, H.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ORGANIC WASTE,"

beg leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

     (1)  Establish statewide goals for solid waste reduction and organic waste diversion;

     (2)  Require each county to incorporate into its next integrated solid waste management plan revision a plan to divert certain organic waste generated within the county in alignment with established state benchmarks; and

     (3)  Appropriate funds.

     Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaiʻi Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board No. 34, Hawaiʻi Reef and Ocean Coalition, Climate Protectors Hawaiʻi, Green Party of Hawaiʻi, Kauai Climate Action Coalition, Hawaiʻi Alliance for Progressive Action, Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United, and twenty-nine individuals.

     Your Committees received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Department of Health and Department of Environmental Management of the County of Hawaiʻi.

     Your Committees find that actionable steps are necessary to help the State meet its Aloha+ Challenge goal to reduce, by seventy percent, the solid waste stream by 2030.  Your Committees recognize that diverting organic waste, including food waste, from the solid waste stream would not only reduce the generation of methane in state landfills, but also minimize the State's need for more landfill space.  Your Committees further recognize that reducing and preventing food waste can increase food security, foster productivity and economic efficiency, promote resource and energy conservation, and address climate change, which in turn, could also decrease climate change-related shocks to the supply chain.

     According to testimony received by your Committees, diverting compostable food packaging away from landfills and co-generation plants is premature as additional data is necessary to better understand the contaminant level of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in food packaging and the impact these substances may have on crops grown in compost generated with compostable food packaging.  Amendments to this measure are therefore necessary to address this issue.

     Your Committees have amended this measure by:

     (1)  Deleting "compostable food packaging" from the definition of "organic waste";

     (2)  Inserting an effective date of July 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion; and

     (3)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Agriculture and Environment and Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 751, H.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 751, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Agriculture and Environment and Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs,

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1014

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   H.B. No. 751

      H.D. 2

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 751, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ORGANIC WASTE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to:

     (1)  Establish statewide goals for solid waste reduction and organic waste diversion;

     (2)  Require each county to incorporate into its next integrated solid waste management plan revision a plan to divert certain organic waste generated within the county in alignment with established state benchmarks; and

     (3)  Appropriate funds for the Department of Health to reimburse the counties for incorporation of the new requirements established by this measure into their respective integrated solid waste management plan revisions.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from Climate Protectors Hawaiʻi; Hawaiʻi Reef and Ocean Coalition; Hawaiʻi Alliance for Progressive Action; and six individuals.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Department of Health; Office of the Mayor of the County of Maui; and Department of Environmental Management of the County of Hawaiʻi.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by removing the county reimbursement for the incorporation of the statewide goals for solid waste reduction and organic waste diversion into their respective integrated solid waste management plans and amending the purpose of the appropriation accordingly.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 751, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 751, H.D. 2.

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

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  604

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   H.B. No. 751

      H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection, to which was referred H.B. No. 751 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ORGANIC WASTE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to:

     (1)  Establish statewide goals for solid waste reduction and organic waste diversion; and

     (2)  Require each county to incorporate into its next integrated solid waste management plan revision a plan to divert certain organic waste generated within the county in alignment with established state benchmarks.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from Hawaiʻi Farmers Union; Hawaiʻi Reef and Ocean Coalition; Climate Protectors Hawaiʻi; and two individuals.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Office of the Mayor of the County of Maui and Department of Environmental Management of the County of Hawaiʻi.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Health.

     Your Committee finds that the Aloha+ Challenge established the goal to reduce by seventy percent the solid waste stream prior to disposal by 2030 through source reduction, recycling, bioconversion, and landfill diversion methods for organic waste.  In order to help the State meet this goal, this measure establishes statewide benchmarks for solid waste reduction and organic waste diversion and requires the counties to incorporate these benchmarks into their integrated solid waste management plans.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Clarifying that organic waste generators are required to divert material to any Department of Health approved facility;

     (2)  Changing the deadline for Tier 1 organic waste generators to January 1, 2027;

     (3)  Changing the deadline by which all organic wastes are banned from landfills and co-generation plants to January 1, 2040;

     (4)  Adding a definition for "compostable";

     (5)  Including compostable food packing and removing food-soiled paper from the definition of "organic waste";

     (6)  Changing the deadlines for the goals to reduce the solid waste stream prior to disposal by forty and seventy percent to January 1, 2027, and January 1, 2035, respectively;

     (7)  Removing organic waste landfill diversion from the methods specified for the reduction of the solid waste stream prior to disposal;

     (8)  Clarifying that the State's goal is to eliminate organic waste stream disposal via incineration, waste-to-energy, or landfill by 2040 and removing interim deadlines;

     (9)  Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

     (10) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

     Your Committee notes that the benchmarks for organic waste generators are mandatory requirements and not reduction targets.  Your Committee further notes that ensuring compliance with these benchmarks can be simplified by requiring haulers and processing facilities to report diversion rates, rather than mandating that each organic waste generator report tonnages.  Your Committee also notes that further amendments may be needed to ensure that organic waste generators are authorized to use certain waste diversion methods, such as through food donation and turning organic waste into animal feed.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 751, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 751, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection,