STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1014-08

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2008

 

RE:   H.B. No. 2509

 

 

 

 

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2008

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 2509 entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTRONIC DEVICE RECYCLING,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose of this bill is to reduce waste and protect the environment by establishing the Electronic Waste Recycling Act.  Among other things, this measure:

 

(1)  Allows manufacturers to implement their own collection, transportation, and recycling program for computer monitors, televisions, and portable computers (covered electronic devices);

 

(2)  Directs the Department of Health (DOH) to establish its own program for manufacturers with no programs;

 

(3)  Creates a labeling and registration system to identify and account for covered electronic devices;

 

(4)  Prohibits the disposal of covered electronic devices in solid waste disposal facilities beginning January 1, 2010; and

 

(5)  Establishes the Electronic Device Recycling Fund to collect manufacturer fees, payments, and penalties to run the program. 

 

 

 

     The City and County of Honolulu Department of Environmental Services, County of Kauai Department of Public Works, Sierra Club, Hawaii Chapter, and Retail Merchants of Hawaii testified in support of this bill.  DOH and the Consumer Electronics Association opposed this measure.  Tax Foundation of Hawaii, Environmental Center, Verizon Wireless, Covanta Energy Group, AT&T, Philips Electronics, Thomson Inc., and Sony Electronics Inc., offered comments.

 

     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. 2509 and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

 

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

 

 

 

 

____________________________

MARCUS R. OSHIRO, Chair