KEALAKEHE, Hawaii – On Tuesday, the Hawaii County Council’s Environmental Management Committee considered a resolution to urge the mayor to increase zero waste education programs. The measure, introduced by councilwoman Margaret Wille, specifically suggested that the mayor should enter into a three year contract with the option of two one-year extensions, “to educate residents and businesses on how to sort trash and reduce waste.”

There were some political undertones to Resolution 73-15. Mayor Billy Kenoi recently withdrew his plan to find a company to build and operate a waste-to-energy facility, but before doing so he decided not to renew a contract with non-profit Recycle Hawaii to provide for recycling education.

Councilmembers balked at the idea of spending more government money on an educational component to recycling. Wille said she would work on improving the language of her resolution.