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KYD, Inc. dba k. yamada distributors _ An independent leader in packaging and wholesale distribution P.O. BOX 29669, Honolulu, Hawaii 96820 Phone: (808)836-3221 Fax: (808)833-8995 Hawaii Island County Council Hearing July 7,2017 BILL 13draft2: "Amends Chapter 20,of the Hawaii County Code 1983 (2005 Edition,As Amended), By Adding a New Article Relating to Reduction of Polystyrene Foam "Styrofoam" Food Containers and Food Service Ware" Position: Oppose Testimony By: Dexter Yamada,Joy Gold Chair Poindexter,and Members of the Hawaii County Council: Dexter Yamada is President of KYD Inc,doing business as K Yamada Distributors.Joy Gold is a consultant to Dexter Yamada and KYD, Inc a locally founded,family run business in Kalihi since the 1940's as a florist and a supplier of florist supplies. In 1958 KYD evolved into the packaging company of today and later expanded into a distributor of many other fine products.Today, KYD, Inc and its sister company, Hawaii Finest Products, LLC(nee: Hawaii Foam Products, LLC)employ about 90 employees and contribute to Hawaii's economy through taxes and payroll.The companies manufacture and distribute food packaging materials and distribute a variety of supplies for food processors,food establishments,supermarkets, hotels, hospitals and other institutions. KYD testimony at the Feb. 21,2017 Environmental Management Committee (EMC) meeting presented science- based information about the health and safety of food-grade polystyrene food service ware and other facts to refute claims of harm to people as well as to marine animals. We continue to oppose Bill 13draft2 because: 1. This is a ban on EPS food containers and tied to the assumption that compostable food container products can be diverted to the County's compost facility by July 1,2018. We believe in the benefits of composting for agriculture and farmers and wish the County's composting facility every success. However,we believe that caution is needed for the exact time of on-line food waste and post-consumer food service container composting. Such composting is a complicated initiative that has faced major challenges in other parts of the Continent. Mandating the use of compostable products will economically impact East Hawaii food operators and Hawaii County programs. Without a composting facility, it will go to the landfill where it will not degrade. All foodservice ware will not degrade in landfills because of the absence of air and water. 2. There is no differentiation about polystyrene foam used for coolers, ice chests,and packaging and food grade polystyrene for food service containers in regards to ocean debris. Local marine scientists admit that more research is needed to ascertain how much of marine debris is from PS food service containers. StyrofoamTM,a DOW trademark product is used for insulation, packaging and other industrial uses. It is not the same as food-grade foam food service containers. Trop(Tropie< Hawaiian Plantations® �yv ROPEs� H Me TAW of Punedixe 1J 4 WILL CALL,G&A,AND WAREHOUSE OFFICES:2949 Koapaka Street,Honolulu,Hawaii 96819-1923 Phone:(808)836-3221 Fax:(808)833-8995