HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0482.024 2024-2026From:
Colehour Bondera
Sent:
Saturday, September 13, 2025 9:41 AM
To:
Council Testimony
Cc:
Kimball, Heather, Kagiwada, Jennifer; Onishi, Dennis; Kierkiewicz, Ashley; Kanealii-
Kleinfelder, Matt; Galimba, Michelle M.; Villegas, Rebecca; Inaba, Holeka; FMi tac 7
James � c
Subject:
Testimony in Support of Bill 83 (with Amendment Request) �:
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Aloha Chair and the members of the Policy Committee on Environmental and Natural Resource :z
Management, bY.
a
My name is Colehour Bondera and I am testifying in strong support of Bill83., I also urge you to amend the
bill to include a ban on single -use plastics, such as plastic water bottles.
Here are four key reasons why this amendment is critical:
Plastic pollution is a global threat: Experts call for at least a 75% reduction in plastic production and
consumption because it has been found in our blood & organs. Single -use plastics are unnecessary,
harmful, and easily replaced with safe alternatives.
Convenience does not outweigh survival: None of the single -use plastics covered in this ordinance are
essential. They represent only convenience, not necessity —and all have safer, sustainable substitutes.
Bans drive innovation: History shows that banning single -use plastics creates markets for alternatives
and attracts investments in safer, compostable, and regenerative products.
Composting and landfill relief: Expanding bans on single -use plastics works hand in hand with building
local composting capacity. It reduces landfill waste, extends landfill life, and strengthens Hawai'i's food
security by producing soil amendments locally.
Thankyou,
Colehour Bondera
Honaunau,H196704
Comm.
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