HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0482.091 2024-20260Suisan
Lets make good food together!
To: Hawai'i County Council
Policy Committee on Environmental and Natural Resources Management
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From: Stephen Ueda
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President & CEO, Suisan Company, Limited
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September 16, 2025
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RE: Bill 83-Relating to Plastic and Polystyrene Waste
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Position: Comments
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Dear Chair Villegas, Vice Chair Kagiwada, and Members of the Committee:
My name is Stephen Ueda, and I serve as President and CEO of Suisan Company, Limited,
a Hawai'i Island business that has supported local food producers, restaurants, and
retailers for over a century.
I appreciate the County's intent with Bill 83, which is to reduce plastic waste and align with
sustainability goals. However, I would like to respectfully request the Committee's
consideration of an exemption for prepackaged foods.
Why the Prepackaged Food Exemption is Necessary
• Level Playing Field for Local Producers: As currently written, Bill 83 would place
Hawaii Island food manufacturers at a competitive disadvantage. Prepackaged
products made outside of the Countywould be exempt, while locally packaged
items —such as salsa, tofu, tsukemono, and other value-added products —would
fall underthe ban. This would unintentionally favor imported goods over Hawai'i
Island -made products
• Economic Impact: Local businesses already face higher costs of operation.
Forcing them to switch to more expensive packaging would raise prices for
customers and potentially limit the viability of local production —at odds with
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County goals of increasing food self-sufficiency and supporting local agriculture
Suisan Company, Limited,
333 Kilauea Avenue, Suite 202, Hilo, HI.96720-3013
Tel: (808) 935 - 85111 Fax: (808) 935 - 2737 Comm.
www.suisan.com Ref. To:
Ref. Date
Conclusion
We support the goats of Bill 83 but believe that, without adjustment, it may have the
unintended consequence of harming local food producers. By exempting prepackaged
foods, the Council can ensure fairness, protect local jobs, and still advance environmental
sustainability.
Thank you for your consideration of this request and for the opportunity to testify.
Respectfully submitted,
Stephen Ueda
President & CEO
Suisan Company, Limited
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