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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0482.026 2024-2026From: Shantee Brown Sent: Monday, September 15, 2025 10:22 AM To: Council Testimony Cc: Kimball, Heather, Kagiwada, Jennifer, Onishi, Dennis; Kierkiewia, Ashley; Kanealii- Kleinfelder, Matt, Galimba, Michelle M.; Villegas, Rebecca; Inaba, Holeka; Hustace, James Subject: Testimony in Support of Bill 83 (with Amendment Request) Aloha Chair and the members of the Policy Committee on Environmental and Natural Resource Management, My name is Shantee Brown, and I am testifying in strong support of Bill 83. 1 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 cgnpoAng capacity. It reduces landfill waste, extends landfill life, and strengthens Hawai'i's food security by producing sml cDc) amendments locally. v Thank you, Shantee Brown a Tip District 8 © v w - I d04A3U I,