The Department of Environmental Management has the responsibility of continuous performance of all matters relating to sewer operation and maintenance of five sewer systems; solid waste disposal and landfill programs; vehicle disposal; and all other environmental projects, including recycling programs of the county. The Department of Environmental Management is also a key support agency for Civil Defense emergencies.

TOTAL DEM BUDGET

FY 2001-2002

TOTAL DEM EMPLOYEES

As of 6/30/02

By Division

The Wastewater Division manages the countywide wastewater collection, pumping, treatment, and disposal systems. The division’s mission is to protect the coastal environment, support the County and encourage a safe and fulfilling workplace.

The Solid Waste Division operates and maintains, either by County personnel or by contracted services, all solid waste collection and disposal facilities in the County of Hawai`i. This includes two landfills, twenty-one transfer stations and island-wide hauling operations in accordance with local, state and federal guidelines and regulations. The division also administers the Abandoned Vehicle Program, tasked with removal and disposal of derelict vehicles found on publicly accessible roadways.

This division maintains operational base yards in South Hilo, Waimea, and Kealakehe and engages in islandwide duties with a workforce of 57 employees working on shifts to cover operations 365 days a year.

DEPARTMENT GOALS

• To protect, preserve and enhance our environment by promoting wise management of waste and resources.
• To provide positive, financially viable and workable solutions and to involve all interested parties in our goals.
• To promote reduction, reuse and recycling of solid waste in a manner that protects public health and safety, natural and cultural resources and the long-term economic health of the county.

• To provide the best service at the least cost while balancing the needs and desires of the administration, council, unions, and general public.

• To sustain no lost time injuries and maintain a healthy and committed workforce.

• To meet or exceed all wastewater discharge permit and regulatory compliance requirements.

• To provide clean and convenient transfer stations island wide for the public to dispose of household refuse and to provide collections for household hazardous waste.

• To provide efficient disposal sites for commercial solid waste.

• To meet or exceed Federal, State, and County laws and regulations relating to the disposal of refuse and the monitoring solid waste disposal facilities.

• A Department Director was nominated by the Mayor, approved by the County Council and began the position on August 1, 2002.

• Continued coordination with Corporation Counsel and County Collection Committee to reduce seriously delinquent accounts.
• Completed repairs to Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant Secondary Clarifiers.
• Completed construction of Pahoehoe Sewage Pump Station and Banyan Drive Sewage Pump Station Rehab. Sewer Projects.

• Addendum to the Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan for the County of Hawai‘i near completion.
• Completed the Disaster Debris Action Manual to establish one site in East Hawaii and one site in West Hawai‘i to enable the division to better prepare for administering and processing solid waste debris from a natural disaster.

• Continuing the Diversion Grant Program, the Recycling Education Program, the Glass Diversion Program, the Used Oil Disposal Program, the Household Hazardous Waste Collection and Disposal Program, and contracted for the removal of waste metal to an off-island market.

• Continuing gate installations to ensure secure transfer stations islandwide.