HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0482.053 2024-2026From: Malina Keawe
Sent: Sunday, September 14, 2025 12:10 AM
To: Council Testimony
Cc: Kimball, Heather, Kagiwada, Jennifer, Onishi, Dennis; Kierkiewia, 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 Dana Keawe, 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. Q C,
Mahalo nui, c,
Dana Keawe z,
Pahoa, HI 96778 — �—
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t Ref. Date 6 025