HI HCR230

Supports phasing out Hawaii's deposit beverage container recycling program established by Act 176 (2002), which charged a 5-cent refundable deposit and 1-cent nonrefundable container fee per beverage container.

Notes that the Department of Health's November 2005 audit found the program lacked proper accounting systems and adequate internal controls, with recommendations for improved administrative oversight that were never demonstrated to be implemented.

Identifies that from October 2002 through fiscal year 2010, the Department of Health spent more money from the program special fund than it collected, and increased the nonrefundable container fee to 1.5 cents despite the shortfall.

States that handling fees to redemption centers (2-4 cents per container) exceed the nonrefundable container fee revenue, making the program financially infeasible.

Supports establishing an expanded statewide curbside recycling program as an alternative to increase public participation and reduce litter.