HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0482.068 2024-2026From: Megan Lamson Leatherman
Sent: Monday, September 15, 2025 11:59 AM
To: Council Testimony
Cc: Kimball, Heather, Kagiwada, Jennifer, Onishi, Dennis; Kierkiewicz, Ashley, Kanealii-
Kleinfelder, Matt; Galimba, Michelle M.; Villegas, Rebecca; Inaba, Holeka; Hu tace,-,
James o�
Subject: Testimony in Support of Bill 83 (with Amendment Request) ,` zCD
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Aloha Chair and the members of the Policy Committee on Environmental and Natural Resource =�
Management,
My name is Megan Leatherman, and I am testifying in strong support of Bill 83 on behaeof my
`Ghana - living in the Ahupua`a of Honalo and Ka`awaloa in the Kona moku - and all the plants,
animals, and ecosystems of Hawaii Island that cannot submit testimony today. We 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
HawaiTs food security by producing soil amendments locally.
Apologies for the template form letter but we are in a race to share our voice by noon!
Me ka mahalo,
Megan, Teal, and Patrick (of Honalo, HI) and tutu Madalyn (of Ka `awaloa, HI)
Megan PL Lamson Leatherman, M. Se.
PO Box 11271 Kealakekua, HI 19675o
mleatherman7 @gmail.comllamsonohawaii.edu
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