Bill > HB404

This bill aims to encourage composting and reduce waste in Hawaii by requiring the Department of Health to develop a new classification system for composting facilities that balances health and environmental considerations. The bill recognizes that food waste comprises 25% of landfill materials and that composting can provide significant environmental benefits, including improving soil health, sequestering carbon, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Health to adopt rules that establish different regulatory requirements for composting operations based on their size and potential risks, with the goal of making it easier for small and medium-scale composting operations to obtain permits. Additionally, the bill amends state land use regulations to explicitly allow composting and co-composting operations in agricultural districts, including on lands with high-quality soils. The legislation supports Hawaii's existing sustainability goals, such as the Aloha+ Challenge, which aims to reduce waste by 70% and double local food production by 2030. To implement these changes, the bill appropriates funding for a new full-time program specialist position to update administrative rules related to solid waste management. The overall purpose is to reduce landfill burdens, lower waste management costs, and advance the state's environmental and agricultural objectives.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=404&year=2025