HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0482.013 2024-2026 Mtv of p�h
Dr.C.Kimo Alameda Erica Perez
Mayor Chair
Wesley R.Segawa Justin Canelas
8F NF
Director,Department of Vice Chair
Environmental Management County of H a TA Tal/1
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
345 Keknanao`a St.Suite 41 •Hilo,Hawaii 96720•Ph:(808)961-8083•Fax:(808)961-8086
November 5, 2025
Honorable Holeka Inaba, Chair
and Members of the Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
SUBJECT: The Environmental Management Commission's Comments and
Recommendations Regarding Bill 83,Relating to Plastic and Polystyrene
Waste
Dear Honorable Council Chair Inaba and Esteemed Members of the Hawaii County Council,
Pursuant to Hawaii County Code, Section 2-207(c),the Environmental Management
Commission("EMC")reviewed Bill 83 at its meeting on October 22, 2025. The EMC agreed
to issue the following comments and recommendations regarding Bill 83:
Solid waste is the third largest emissions contributor in Hawaii County, compared to the second
of Commercial Energy, and the top contributor of Transportation(HI-ICAP). As an island
community,it's important to reduce the use of plastic to protect our shorelines, oceans, and
watersheds.
The EMC Supports Bill 83 Relating to Plastic and Polystyrene Waste and urges the Hawaii
County Council ("Council")to support the passage of Bill 83. The EMC would like to share the
following recommendations:
1. Consider increasing the fines: the EMC urges Council to re-evaluate the fine structure to
increase the likelihood of compliance by adjusting the fine to an amount that equals more
than the potential revenue of future sales from the event. For example: bottled water cost
$5 x 175 ppl= $875.00 by paying the fee Vendor would still accrue $475.00 in revenue.
2. Consider how Bill 83 will be enforced.
Benefits to eliminating plastic production are reduced waste, the promotion of healthier soils,
and a decrease of long-term pollution associated with traditional plastics.
Comm. No.
Ref. To: eD tvA CA t
Ref. Date NOV - 5 2025
Honorable Chair Inaba and Hawaii County Council
November 5,2025
Page 2
Sincerely,
Erica Perez
Chair
cc: Environmental Management Commission
County of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer