HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0482.100 2024-2026From:
Tanya Anne
Sent:
Sunday, September 14, 2025 5:27 PM
To:
Council Testimony G
Cc:
Kimball, Heather, Kagiwada, Jennifer, Onishi, Dennis; Kierkiewia, AshleyNIane@r)
Kleinfelder, Matt; Galimba, Michelle M.; Villegas, Rebecca; Inaba, HolekabHustyr-
James _
Subject:
Testimony in Support of Bill 83 (with Amendment Request) u' o-<
Aloha Chair Villegas and the members of the Policy Committee on Environmental and Natur4aj Resoi7Yce
Management,
w -
I am testifying in strong support of Bill 83 and urge you to strengthen it by including a ban on single -use
plastic beverage bottles.
Plastic pollution is a global threat. Scientists warn that we must cut plastic production and
consumption by at least 75%. Micro- and nanoplastics are already in our blood, lungs, and organs.
Single -use plastics are unnecessary, harmful, and easily replaced with safe alternatives
f
Convenience does not outweigh survival. None of the items covered under this ordinance are
essential. They serve only convenience, not necessity —and all have viable, sustainable substitutes.
Single -use beverage bottles are no different. Refillable and reusable bottles are widely available and
accessible.
Bans drive innovation and solutions. Each time we restrict single -use plastics, the market responds
with safer, compostable, and regenerative alternatives. Hawaii can lead the way in creating a healthier,
innovation -driven economy.
Stronger bans strengthen our local systems. Bill 83 times to reduce landfill waste, extend landfill life,
and directly supports local composting efforts. This in turn improves food security by producing local soil
amendments and reducing dependency on imports.
Plastic beverage bottles area glaring omission. By including them, we can begin to shift our lifestyle
addiction to convenience which we have to eventually tackle, protect public health, safeguard the
environment, and accelerate our transition to a zero -waste, resilient future.
Mahalo for your leadership and for giving Bill 83 the strength it needs to truly protect our people, our
'dina, and future generations.
Thankyou,
Tanya
Tanya Yamanaka Aynessazian
Comm.
Ref. To:
Ref. Date W
96720
Freedom lies in being bold. Robert Frost