11-21-2007, 05:52 AM
I thought 342 pertained to the operation of waste facilities? It appears the law applies to operating an illegal transfer station, landfill, dump site, etc. I would seem to have applied to the example someone gave about a developer using one of their properties to dump waste from their other sites if the developer didn't have a permit to do so.
Regardless, the laws are all there, just that there isn't any real means of enforcing it. From everything I'm reading, it's just part of duties but not anyone’s specific duty. There are many dedicated enforcement agencies throughout the mainland that only handles illegal dumping issues but they also all seem to be in areas where funding is available to create a specific body to handle this. Based on everything I've heard and seen, revenue on the BI is a major problem. The island can't even support the basic services required without subsidies, let alone all the other things everyone wants the county and state to do. With so many needs competing for so few dollars, let's face facts; the government doesn't have the money.
I for one would support a good 100% increase in property taxes and a 25% increase in income taxes, and a 20% increase in sale taxes if it funds the services needed. I have no issue with government asking the people to pick which they want, police or schools; fire protection or museums; environmental protection or road paving; you can’t have everything you want so pick what you feel you must have and shut-up about the rest. But I'm use to the reality that government doesn't have a hidden golden egg laying goose in the basement and that if you want government to spend money to do something; you have to figure out how to pay for it. So, I doubt anyone will want to hear they need to pay if they want more services. And just for those that didn’t know, tourism and the military provides over 50% of Hawaii County revenue for services. Imagine if they were gone what you would be paying in taxes!
Regardless, the laws are all there, just that there isn't any real means of enforcing it. From everything I'm reading, it's just part of duties but not anyone’s specific duty. There are many dedicated enforcement agencies throughout the mainland that only handles illegal dumping issues but they also all seem to be in areas where funding is available to create a specific body to handle this. Based on everything I've heard and seen, revenue on the BI is a major problem. The island can't even support the basic services required without subsidies, let alone all the other things everyone wants the county and state to do. With so many needs competing for so few dollars, let's face facts; the government doesn't have the money.
I for one would support a good 100% increase in property taxes and a 25% increase in income taxes, and a 20% increase in sale taxes if it funds the services needed. I have no issue with government asking the people to pick which they want, police or schools; fire protection or museums; environmental protection or road paving; you can’t have everything you want so pick what you feel you must have and shut-up about the rest. But I'm use to the reality that government doesn't have a hidden golden egg laying goose in the basement and that if you want government to spend money to do something; you have to figure out how to pay for it. So, I doubt anyone will want to hear they need to pay if they want more services. And just for those that didn’t know, tourism and the military provides over 50% of Hawaii County revenue for services. Imagine if they were gone what you would be paying in taxes!