HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0482.046 2024-2026From: jgooc17143
Sent: Monday, September 15, 2025 9:54 AM
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 Joseph Hopgood, 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 sgil
amendments locally.
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Thankyou,
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Joseph Hopgood
tCD
Kailua Kona 96740r
Act locally, think globally
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