HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0482.029 2024-2026From: Harmon Coffey
Sent: Monday, September 15, 2025 1:32 PM
To: Council Testimony
Cc: Kimball, Heather, Kagiwada, Jennifer, Onishi, Dennis; Kierkiewi¢, Ashley; K nealii-
Kleinfelder, Matt, Galimba, Michelle M.; Villegas, Rebecca; Inaba, Holeka; W4taQt n
James � (—_ co
Subject: Testimony in Support of Bill 83 (with Amendment Request) T
Aloha Chair and the members of the Policy Committee on Environmental and Natural Resource r
Management, N
Q,
My name is [Your Name], 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 composting capacity. It reduces landfill waste, extends landfill life, and strengthens Hawai`i's food
security by producing soil amendments locally.
Thankyou,
Harmon Coffey
Kailua-kona,96740
Comm.
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