HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0482.121 2024-2026COUNT Y CLERK
COUNTY OF ;iAWAIi
SUPPORT: Bill 83 1 20?5 OCT -7 A1,1 i0, 16
Aloha Chair Villegas, Vice Chair Kagiwada, and Members of the Policy Committee on
Environmental & Natural Resource Management:
I write in support of Bill 83, which seeks to amend Chapter 20 of the Hawai'i County Code to
reduce the usage of disposable plastic foodware in alignment with the County's Zero Waste
Plan and the State's Aloha+ Challenge Solid Waste Reduction Goals.
While I fully support the bill, I respectfully ask the Committee to consider a few refinements:
• The terms "reusable" foodware or serviceware should not include items that are made
from plastic or bioplastics.
Remove the loophole in Section 20-05-01 "... unless requested by the customer.... Or in
a designated self-service area."
Include single -use plastic water and beverage bottles.
Bill 83 represents a significant, but achievable, step toward aligning Hawai'i County's policies
with the ecological realities we face. By reducing harmful single -use plastics foodware and
serviceware, this legislation will:
• Reduce plastic pollution and the toxic impacts it has on our health and island ecosystem
• Include our plastic use choices as wastestream/landfill management
• Help us all make better lifestyle decisions regarding plastic use for a healthier future
• Help to create an economy based on care vs convenience and consumption
• Spur innovation and investment in sustainable alternatives
• Demonstrate leadership in political and commercial responsibility for a cleaner and
healthier Hawai'i
• Align us with the world we want our grandchildren's children to live in
Mahalo for this transformative initiative.
Tanya Yamanaka Aynessazian
Hilo, HI
Comm.
Ref. To:
Ref. Date - 8 2025