HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0482.031 2024-2026From: Jenn Dant
Sent: Monday, September 15, 2025 9:54 AM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Testimony in Support of Bill 83 (with Amendment Request)
Aloha Chair and the members of the Policy Committee on Environmental and NappraB
Resource Management,
Testimony in Strong Support of Bill 83, with Amendment
Aloha Chair and Members of the Committee, o. r
o
My name is Jennifer Dant, and I am writing in strong support of Bill 83. I alse
respectfully urge you to strengthen this legislation by including a ban on single -use
plastics, such as plastic water bottles.
At Fair Wind Cruises, where I work, we pay close attention to our plastic waste. By
switching to reusable cups, buying in bulk, and making more items from scratch, we
have diverted an estimated six 30-gallon trash bags per day —over 2,000 bags a
year —from the landfill. These changes show that real solutions are possible when we
commit to reducing plastic.
The reality on our island is sobering. The Big Island landfill already receives 600 tons of
rubbish every day. At the same time, we see the devastating impact of plastic washing
up on our shores. With Hawaii Wildlife Fund, we assist in cleanups at Kamilo Beach in
Ka'u, where the volume of plastic debris is overwhelming. This year, emergency
cleanups were necessary because the waste simply kept coming. And what we see on
the shore is only a fraction —the rest sinks, polluting our ocean floor, our fish, and
ultimately, us.
This is not a problem we can ignore. It is one we must act on with urgency, and Bill 83 is
an important step forward. But to truly protect Hawai`i's people and environment, we
must include single -use plastics in the ban.
Four reasons this amendment is critical:
1. Plastic pollution is a global health threat. Microplastics are now found in our
blood and organs. Experts warn we must cut plastic production and consumption
by at least 75%. Single -use plastics are unnecessary and harmful, and safe
alternatives already exist.
2. Convenience cannot outweigh survival. The plastics covered in this bill
represent convenience, not necessity. We can —and must —choose sustainable
substitutes.
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Ref. To:
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3. Bans drive innovation. History shows that banning single -use plastics opens
markets for safer, compostable, and regenerative products, spurring local
innovation and investment.
4. Composting and landfill relief. Expanding bans works hand in hand with
building composting capacity. It reduces landfill burden, extends landfill life, and
strengthens HawaN's food security by producing local soil amendments.
We know this is a daunting fight, but it is not impossible. As decision -makers, you hold
the power to turn the tide on plastic pollution and create a healthier future for Hawaii.
Please help us take this step toward protecting our land, our ocean, and our people.
Mahalo for the opportunity to testify, and for your leadership on this urgent issue.
Respectfully,
Jennifer Dant
Jenn Dant
Fair Wind Cruises
Boat department / Kitchen Operations Manager
78-6775 Makenawai St Box A
Kailua Kona, Hi 96740
E malama ka 'aina, E malama ka 'aina is 'oe
Take care of the land and the land will take care of you
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