HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0482.063 2024-2026From:
Alesha Makuakane
Sent:
Monday, September 15, 2025 1:56 PM
To:
Council Testimony
Cc:
Kimball, Heather, Kagiwada, Jennifer; Onishi, Dennis; Kierkiewi¢, Ashley;,Kanealii-
Kleinfelder, Matt, Galimba, Michelle M.; Villegas, Rebecca; Inaba, Holekalust ce<-)
James y zCD
CZSubject:
Testimony in Support of Bill 83 (with Amendment Request) —
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Aloha Chair and the members of the Policy Committee on Environmental and Natural Resisurcear
Management,
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My name is Alesha Makuakane program director for the EPA REO grant program with Recycle
Hawaii, 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 can easily be replaced with safer natural/organic 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.
Thank you,
Alesha Makuakane
Na'alehu, HI 96772
Me ke aloha,
Ulu Makuakane
Recycle Hawaii - EPA REO Grant Program Program Director
www.recyclehawaii.org
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