Big Isle council rejects
sewer, trash fee change

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Star-Bulletin staff

HILO >> A request by the Hawaii County Environmental Management Commission for the power to set sewer and trash fees was voted down 8-1 by the Hawaii County Council's finance committee yesterday.

Opponents said the change would mean no elected official would be accountable for the fees.

The commission and a Department of Environmental Management were created by a voter-approved County Charter amendment in 2000.

Charter language made the commission's role advisory, but also allowed other powers to be given to it by law.

Community volunteer Jon Olson spoke for more commission power, saying the County Council has failed for years to solve the problem of abandoned vehicles and illegally dumped trash.

But commercial trash hauler Steven Araujo, referring to a possible fee imposed on homeowners, asked, "How much rubbish would end up on the side of the road or in empty lots?"

Council member Nancy Pisicchio cast the sole vote for greater power, saying commissioners are frustrated by their advisory role.