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Mtv of p�h <br /> Dr.C.Kimo Alameda Erica Perez <br /> Mayor Chair <br /> Wesley R.Segawa Justin Canelas <br /> 8F NF <br /> Director,Department of Vice Chair <br /> Environmental Management County of H a TA Tal/1 <br /> ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION <br /> 345 Keknanao`a St.Suite 41 •Hilo,Hawaii 96720•Ph:(808)961-8083•Fax:(808)961-8086 <br /> November 5, 2025 <br /> Honorable Holeka Inaba, Chair <br /> and Members of the Hawaii County Council <br /> 25 Aupuni Street <br /> Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br /> SUBJECT: The Environmental Management Commission's Comments and <br /> Recommendations Regarding Bill 83,Relating to Plastic and Polystyrene <br /> Waste <br /> Dear Honorable Council Chair Inaba and Esteemed Members of the Hawaii County Council, <br /> Pursuant to Hawaii County Code, Section 2-207(c),the Environmental Management <br /> Commission("EMC")reviewed Bill 83 at its meeting on October 22, 2025. The EMC agreed <br /> to issue the following comments and recommendations regarding Bill 83: <br /> Solid waste is the third largest emissions contributor in Hawaii County, compared to the second <br /> of Commercial Energy, and the top contributor of Transportation(HI-ICAP). As an island <br /> community,it's important to reduce the use of plastic to protect our shorelines, oceans, and <br /> watersheds. <br /> The EMC Supports Bill 83 Relating to Plastic and Polystyrene Waste and urges the Hawaii <br /> County Council ("Council")to support the passage of Bill 83. The EMC would like to share the <br /> following recommendations: <br /> 1. Consider increasing the fines: the EMC urges Council to re-evaluate the fine structure to <br /> increase the likelihood of compliance by adjusting the fine to an amount that equals more <br /> than the potential revenue of future sales from the event. For example: bottled water cost <br /> $5 x 175 ppl= $875.00 by paying the fee Vendor would still accrue $475.00 in revenue. <br /> 2. Consider how Bill 83 will be enforced. <br /> Benefits to eliminating plastic production are reduced waste, the promotion of healthier soils, <br /> and a decrease of long-term pollution associated with traditional plastics. <br /> Comm. No. <br /> Ref. To: eD tvA CA t <br /> Ref. Date NOV - 5 2025 <br />