HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0482.055 2024-2026From: Nicole Larson - Circular Hawaii
Sent: Monday, September 15, 2025 9:02 AM
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To: Council Testimony
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Subject: support for Bill 83, but with amendments
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Testimony on Bill83— Support with Amendments
Aloha Chair Villages, Vice Chair Kagiwada, and Councilmembers,
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Myna me is Nicole Larson and I am writing in strong support of Bill 83, with amendments to strengthen
the role of reuse.
While the intent of the bill is important, the current language focuses almost entirely on compostables,
with only a vague mention of reusables. Hawaii County currently has no commercial composting
infrastructure, so most compostable foodware ends up in the landfill. It is prudent to explain that
compostables that are landfilled become a SOURCE of methane for the state, something we are trying to
reduce, not increase. Although we have made some progress with expanding composting services on the
island, we cannot currently compost the millions of compostable bento boxes that are being landfilled.
In our quest to reduce harmful single use plastics in Hawaii, we continue to add harmful greenhouse
gases to the environment.
I respectfully urge you to:
1. Strengthen the definition of "reusable" so it applies only to items in a true return -and -wash
system.
2. Explicitly include "reusable" in the operative language of the bill.
3. Prioritize an enforcement system that penalizes non-compliance.
Hawai'i County has already shown leadership by banning polystyrene. Bill 83 is a chance to go further
with plastic waste reduction. Please pass this bill with amendments to ensure reuse is recognized and
supported as the most effective long-term solution.
Mahalo for the opportunity to testify.
Mahalo,
Nicole
Comm. 4111W6
Ref. To:
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Nicole Larson
CEO & Founder, Circular Hawaii, LLC
(808) 785-6982
"You must be the change you wish to see in the world"- Mahatma Gandhi