H.B. 1992 Summary

• Permits composting and co-composting operations in agricultural districts as a permitted use, subject to conditions including restrictions on selling finished products from operations processing only their own green waste.

• Establishes one full-time equivalent environmental health specialist IV position in the department of health's solid and hazardous waste branch to oversee permitting, inspections, and complaints related to composting facilities.

• Appropriates $55,200 from general revenues for fiscal year 2022-2023 to fund the environmental health specialist IV position.

• Aims to divert organic materials from landfills, support local food production, improve soil health, and advance state sustainability goals including the Aloha+ Challenge and Hawaii 2050 sustainability plan.

• Effective date: July 1, 2022.