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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0482.070 2024-2026September 15, 2025 Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs c/o Hawai'i County Council o 25 Aupuni St. CD c-; Hilo HI96720 nNr c-- CD 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway Kailua Kona HI 96740 o -< �. Re: Strong support for Bill 83 with recommended amendments w Aloha Chair Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder and members of the Committee, First, mahalo to council members Inaba and Galimba for introducing Bill 83. The Sierra Club of Hawai'i, Hawai'i Island Group (HIG) strongly support Bill 83 and requests the Committee consider the following recommended amendments: We also support these amendments: 1. From Recycle Hawai'i: prohibition on the importation of used single -use plastic water bottles and/or used plastic bottle materials. 2. From Hawaii Environmental Change Agents: Strengthen the definition of "reusable" so it applies only to items in a functioning return and wash system. 3. Explicitly include "reusable" in the operative language of the bill, not just in a section title. 4. Prioritize the solution —reuse or compostables—where collection services and infrastructure are in place to support diversion from the landfill (e.g., reuse in. Hilo once the new system launches) Last month, international attempts to develop a treaty to end global plastic pollution collapsed amid reports that petroleum -producing countries obstructed the talks. Reference: The Guardian, August 15,-2025, Plastic pollution talks fail as negotiators in Geneva reject draft treaties Because plastic production is expected to account for up to 15% of global carbon emissions by 2025, the failure of this international efforts makes local efforts to control plastic pollution that much more essential and necessary. Reference: Environmental Protection Agency, Impacts of Plastic Pollution Comm. x�t'-TU P O Box 1137 Hilo, HI 96721-1137 1 hawaiiislandsierraclubp-jzmail.com : Ref. To: Ref. Date By 2060, global plastic production in expected to triple if reduction efforts continue to be frustrated by special interests. Reference: Nature, August 17, 2025, The interactions ofnon-functionalized polystyrene nanoparticles with human albumin and erythrocyte proteins: implications and potential consequences Today, plastic pollution has become so ubiquitous that plastic is now found throughout the most remote, otherwise pristine continent of Antarctica. "Globally, the equivalent of more than one garbage truck of plastic waste ends up in the ocean every minute. Tiny plastic particles have been found in some of the most remote places on Earth, as well as in human brains, lungs and placentas and more recently have been linked to an increased risk of heart attack or stroke." Reference: Opinion, New York Times,Sept. 6, 2025, 7hrowawav Plastic Has Corrupted Us Plastic waste in the ocean can transport invasive species and toxins with an estimated 32 billion pounds now poisoning the sea floor. Reference: New York Times, October 7, 2020, Hidden Beneath the Ocean's Surface. Nearly 16 Million Tons ofMicroplastic Since plastic takes 100 to 1,000 years to decompose, plastic will accumulate in our planet's environment to the point that will literally suffocate life on Earth. Reference: Environmental Protection Agency, Impacts ofPlastic Pollution And as it decomposes, it releases greenhouse gases, as reported by UH researchers. Reference: Plos One, August 1, 2018, Production ofinethane and ethylene from plastic in the environment Our county's efforts over the past few years show there is hope and power on the local level For instance, the Hilo reuseable foodware program is slated to start up next year, offering a viable alternative to styrofoam and plastic. And despite concerns of "government overreach" and quality of life concerns that proven to be unfounded, Hawai'i County has successfully controlled plastic checkout bags and styrofoam. It's past time to also control other forms of plastics. Our local society then adapted because it was the right thing to do. With environmental protections being gutted by the Trump regime, our local action is vitally important. Mahalo for the Committee's consideration of Bill 83. HIG urges the Committee to support it with aforementioned amendments 1*' bt t<. -! 9