HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0482.032 2024-2026From: Mendy Dant
Sent: Monday, September 15, 2025 8:50 AM
To: Council Testimony
Cc: Kimball, Heather; Kagiwada, Jennifer, Onishi, Dennis; Kierkiewicz, Ashley; Kapealii-
Kleinfelder, Matt, Galimba, Michelle M.; Villegas, Rebecca; Inaba, Holeka; Hui;tace�D',_,,
James
-o
g�
Subject: Testimony in Support of Bill 83 (with Amendment Request)
Aloha Chair and the members of the Policy Committee on Environmental and Natural Resource Managemer'
r-;
3:
My name is Mendy Dant and I am testifying in strong support of Bill 83. 1 also urge you to amend the bill to lf�?lude a ban
on single -use plastics, such as plastic water bottles.
My company volunteers to pick up trash on a two-mile strip on Queen Kaahumanu, Hwy 19 quarterly. We find up to 35
large garbage bags of single use plastic, styrofoam coolers, candy wrappers, etc. We also volunteer with Hawaii Wildlife
Fund to clean Kamilo Beach where we find so much plastic and other very harmful trash killing our marine life. We have
also replaced all of the single use plastic on our vessels saving trash from going to our limited landfill. We invested in a
dishwasher and save thousands of dollars every year by using re -usable cups, silverware and plates.
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.
With your help by passing this bill you are taking crucial steps to protect our environment and educate the public how
easy it is to stop the use of unhealthy single -use plastic. PLEASE VOTE TO SUPPORT THIS BILL 83.
MAHALO NUI LOA,
Mendy Dant
Kailua Kona, Hi 96740
808-345-6211
Comm.
Ref. To:
Ref. Date -