HI HB2025

Authorizes the Department of Education to issue grants for establishing composting pilot projects in Hawaii public schools to reduce waste and divert organic material from landfills.

Creates a composting grant pilot project working group with representatives from the Department of Education, Department of Health, Department of Agriculture, University of Hawaii, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Kokua Hawaii Foundation, school composting leaders, and community volunteers to develop guidelines and oversee campus composting programs.

Requires the working group to develop campus composting guidelines in conjunction with Department of Health rules, consider multiple composting methods (bokashi, vermicomposting, hot composting), and establish relationships with local farms and piggeries to accept surplus food waste.

Mandates the working group submit reports to the legislature before each regular session beginning in 2019 with findings and recommendations from the pilot projects.

Appropriates $300,000 from general revenues for fiscal year 2018-2019 to establish and implement the composting grant pilot project, effective July 1, 2018.