Cochran Backs Zero Waste Policy Proposed for Maui

Elle Cochran. Photo by Wendy Osher.

By Maui Now Staff

The Maui County Council’s Infrastructure and Environmental Management Committee will host a panel discussion on Tuesday to consider the adoption of principles relating to zero waste as a waste management policy for the County.

Committee Chair Elle Cochran called the zero waste policy “a sustainable approach to waste management,” saying the policy, if adopted, would result in all products being reused instead of being sent to landfills and incinerators.

A resolution seeking adoption of the zero waste principles will be discussed before the committee at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 23, in the Council Chamber.

The panel will include:

• Dr. Timothy Botkin, program coordinator for Sustainable Science Management Program at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College;
• Jeff Stark of Zero Waste Campaign Maui;
• Dr. Jennifer Chirico of Susty Pacific, a sustainability consulting firm;
• Allison Fraley, solid waste program coordinator for the County of Kauaʻi; and
• Pat Gegen from Zero Waste Kauaʻi, a community organization that promotes zero waste principles.

According to Cochran, the Maui County Charter requires the Director of Environmental Management to guide efforts to optimize opportunities for sustainability.

“It just makes sense, and it’s about time,” said in a committee press release. “A zero waste policy is the sustainable approach to waste management that the County needs,” she said.

“Residents today are more environmentally conscious and value the benefit of recycling and conservation. The County must lead by example if one of our objectives is to create a healthy and sustainable future,” said Cochran.