Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Waste To Energy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Supporters and skeptics trade views as Senate advances waste-to-energy bill
Summary
Proponents said waste-to-energy technology could reduce landfill needs and generate electricity; other senators cautioned about feasibility, costs and siting for neighbor islands.
Senators debated the potential and limitations of waste‑to‑energy technology as the Senate advanced SB 9 64 SD1.
Senator Fevella urged support for the bill, saying waste‑to‑energy technology "can eliminate the needs for landfill" and citing examples from Japan and Europe. In floor remarks she estimated that "70,000 tons would be combustible MSW" and that a plant could produce "between 5 to 10 megawatts of energy," and said the technology could especially benefit neighbor islands that now transport waste long distances.
Not all senators were convinced. Senator McKelvey rose to register reservations, noting that Maui County had repeatedly studied waste‑to‑energy and found the projects "never pencil" financially and logistically. McKelvey said prior administrations had reviewed the idea and it had not been viable, and she recorded reservations for her county.
Nut graf: The exchange underscored a common legislative tension: proponents point to technology and emissions reductions as a path away from landfills, while local officials and some lawmakers raise practical concerns about economics, supply of municipal solid waste and siting on individual islands.
The clerk recorded SB 9 64 SD1 as passing third reading with a tally of 23 ayes and 2 noes. Supporters urged continued study and private‑public engagement to assess feasibility for neighbor islands.
Ending: The bill advances with recorded reservations; proponents urged further partnerships and feasibility work while critics said county experience shows high costs and siting constraints.
