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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0482.065 2024-2026From: Julie Marrack Sent: Monday, September 15, 2025 9.43 AM To: Council Testimony Cc: Kimball, Heather; Kagiwada, Jennifer, Onishi, Dennis; Kierkiewia, Ashley; Kanealii- Kleinfelder, Matt, Galimba, Michelle M.; Villegas, Rebecca; Inaba, Holeka; F%taced James �, cG 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= zR �4 My name is Julia Marrack, and I am testifying in strong support of Bill 83. 1 also urge you to amend the bill to4ncluka 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 soil amendments locally. Thank you, Julia Marrack Kamuela 96743 Sent with a smile! Comm. `• Ref. To: Ref. Date 1 6 2025