HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0482.073 2024-2026From:
Regina Orlando
Sent:
Saturday, September 13, 2025 10:34.AM
To:
Council Testimony
Cc:
Kimball, Heather, Kagiwada, Jennifer, Onishi, Dennis; Kierkiewi¢, Ashley, Kanealii-
Kleinfelder, Matt, Galimba, Michelle M.; Villegas, Rebecca; Inaba, Holeka; Hustace,
James
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,
My name is Regina Orlando 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 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 localo. mposting
capacity. It reduces landfill waste, extends landfill life, and strengthens HawaiTs food security by producing soil
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amendments locally. `C'
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Thank you, lun
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Regina Orlando
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96740
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