HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0482.087 2024-2026Sent:
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Cc:
Subject:
From: Jotis Russell -Christian
Friday, September 12, 2025 8:57 AM
Jotis Russell -Christian
Council Testimony
RE: Testimony on Bill 83 — Support with Amendments
Sent: Friday, September 12, 2025 8:11 AM
To: Council Remote Testimony<councilremotetestimony@hawaiicounty.gov>
Subject: Testimony on Bill 83 — Support with Amendments
Aloha Chair Villegas, Vice Chair Kagiwada, and Councilmembers,
My name is Jotis Russell -Christian, and I am writing in strong support of Bill 83, with amendments to
strengthen the role of reuse.
While the intent of the bill is important, the current language focuses almost entirely on
compostables, with only a vague mention of reusables. Hawaii County currently has no commercial
composting infrastructure, so most compostable foodware ends up in the landfill. By contrast, reuse
offers a durable, scalable solution, and with a new reusable foodware program launching in Hilo next
year, this ordinance could provide critical support if reuse is clearly prioritized.
I respectfully urge you to:
1. Strengthen the definition of "reusable" so it applies only to items in a true return -and -wash
system.
2. Explicitly include "reusable" in the operative language of the bill.
3. Prioritize enforcement of whichever system —reuse or compostables—has real infrastructure
in place. Comm.
1 Ref. To:
Ref. Date SOK 1 6 2025
Hawaii County has already shown leadership by banning polystyrene. Bill 83 is a chance to go further
by making reuse the cornerstone of waste reduction. Please pass this bill with amendments to ensure
reuse is recognized and supported as the most effective long-term solution.
Mahalo for the opportunity to testify.
lotis Russell -Christian; Waikiki, 0`ahu
jotisonkauai@gmail com; (808) 639-1243