HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0482.033 2024-2026From: Zachary Dant
Sent: Monday, September 15, 2025 1:51 PM
To: Council Testimony
Cc: Kimball, Heather Kagiwada, Jennifer, Onishi, Dennis; Kierkiewicz, 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 Zac Dant, 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 HawaiTs food security by producing sgil p
amendments locally. c zc
v —i -v.
Thank you, vz o�
Zac Dant n ter,
Holualoa 96725
Sent from my iPhone _ -,-
o.
Comm.
Ref. To:
Ref. Date 1 6 21725