HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0482.098 2024-2026From: Jeanne I Wheeler
Sent: Sunday, September 14, 2025 6:03 PM
To: Council Testimony
Cc: Kimball, Heather, Kagiwada, Jennifer, Onishi, Dennis; Kierkiewicz, Ashley; Ka8gn alii-c-;
Kleinfelder, Matt; Galimba, Michelle M.; Villegas, Rebecca; Inaba, Holeka; H&stace,c:Ic-)
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James �'
Subject: Testimony in Support of Bill 83 (with Amendment Request)
Aloha Chair & members of the Policy Committee on Environmental and Natural Resource Management,
'
I'm an island resident testifying in strong support of Bill 83. 1 also ask you to please amend the bill to include a ban on
single -use plastics, such as plastic water bottles.
Here are 4 key reasons why this amendment is critical:
Plastic pollution is a serious global threat: Experts call for at least a 75% reduction in plastic production and consumption,
as it has now been found in our blood & organs. Single -use plastics are just unnecessary, harmful, and easily replaced
with safe alternatives. Let's get it together already!
Convenience does not outweigh survival - none of the single -use plastics covered in this ordinance are essential. They
offer convenience, but 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 Hawai'!'s food security by producing soil
amendments locally.
Thank you for considering our future!
Jeanne Wheeler - Pahoa, 96778
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