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Home My WebLink AboutCOM 0482.172 2024-2026G)IKIAA Kanoelehua Industrial Area Association October 31, 2025 Hawaii County Council o r7 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, HI 96720 t <— Subject: Opposition to Bill 83, Draft 2 - Plastic and Polystyrene Waste Ordinance n J .c x> Aloha Council Members, On behalf of the Kanoelehua Industrial Area Association, representing numerous small businesses across Hawaii Island —including family -owned restaurants, local cafes, and small food service operations —I am writing to express our strong opposition to Bill 83, Draft 2, relating to plastic and polystyrene waste. While we fully support efforts to protect our island's natural environment and reduce waste, this ordinance places an undue and disproportionate burden on small local businesses that are already struggling to survive under the weight of inflation, supply chain challenges, and labor shortages. Economic Hardship for Small Businesses Bill 83 would require that all disposable foodware and serviceware be either CMA-certified compostable or BPI -certified compostable, or replaced with reusable alternatives. Unfortunately, these compliant products are often two to four times more expensive than their current counterparts, and many are unavailable on -island in sufficient quantities. Small restaurants and food vendors operate on extremely thin profit margins —often below 5%. Forcing them to absorb these increased costs or to overhaul their service models is not sustainable. Larger national chains may adapt, but Hawai`i's locally owned mom-and-pop shops will be the ones forced to close their doors. Infrastructure Gaps The ordinance assumes the existence of a commercial composting infrastructure capable of processing BPI- or CMA-certified materials. At this time, Hawaii Island does not have such a system in widespread operation. Without it, so-called "compostable" items will still end up in the landfill — negating the environmental intent of the law while penalizing small businesses with higher operating costs. Comm. Ref. To: Ref. Date - k2O2 Unclear Enforcement and Risk of Penalties The proposed fines —up to $1,000 per violation for events —add additional anxiety for small operators. Many food vendors rely on temporary events, farmers' markets, and catering for their livelihood. Strict penalties without adequate education, outreach, or product availability could unintentionally criminalize normal business activity rather than encourage compliance. A Call for Collaboration and Phased Implementation We respectfully request that the Council: 1. Delay implementation until a comprehensive, island -wide composting system is established and accessible to all communities. 2. Establish a small business exemption or subsidy program to offset the increased cost of compliant materials. 3. Engage directly with small business stakeholders --especially in rural districts --to develop practical, phased solutions that align environmental goals with economic reality. Our businesses are part of this community. We employ local residents, support local farmers, and contribute to the island's economy. We share your commitment to sustainability -- but we need a plan that is achievable, equitable, and grounded in the realities of doing business on Hawaii Island. Mahalo for your consideration of our concerns and for your continued support of the small businesses that serve as the backbone of our local economy. Enclosed is a list of member signatures supporting the opposition to Bill 83, Draft 2. With respect and aloha, Allan Onishi President Kanoelehua Industrial Area Association 820 PiBani5treet, SLR 201 I Hib, H I96720 I Ter: 808-961-5422 Fax: 808-935-9740 j w ww kiaahib nm IKIAA Friday, October 31, 2025 Q)Protect Local Small Businesses. Kanaet¢nau industrial Area Association Amend or Delay Hawaii County Council Bill 83 (Draft 2) We, the undersigned, respectfully oppose Hawai'i County Bill 83 (Draft 2) — the proposed ordinance banning plastic and polystyrene foodware and serviceware. While we support environmental sustainability, this ordinance — as written — will place unfair financial and operational burdens on small local restaurants, cafes, and food vendors that already struggle to survive. Our Concerns: ■ CMA- or BPI -certified compostable products are two to four times more expensive and not reliably available on -island. ■ No countywide composting system exists, so "compostable" items will still end up in landfills. ■ The ordinance imposes fines up to $1,000 per violation, threatening the survival of small businesses. We urge the County Council to: • Delay implementation until viable composting and recycling infrastructure exists. ■ Provide exemptions or financial support for small businesses. ■ Collaborate with local business owners to develop a fair, phased waste reduction plan. Let's protect our'aina and our local.economy by creating policies that are practical, inclusive, and sustainable for everyone. Full Name Don Hoota Business/Organization (if applicable) Don's Grill City Hilo Signature *#Y4 Date Friday, October 31, 2025 Friday, October 31, 2025 Q)KIAAProtect Local Small Businesses ft0elehunlvdustrial AreaAsmciaQno Amend or Delay Hawaii County Council Bill 83 (Draft 2) We, the undersigned, respectfully oppose Hawaii County Bill 83 (Draft 2) — the proposed ordinance banning plastic and polystyrene foodware and serviceware. While we support environmental sustainability, this ordinance — as written — will place unfair financial and operational burdens on small local restaurants, cafes, and food vendors that already struggle to survive. Our Concerns: CMA- or BPI -certified compostable products are two to four times more expensive and not reliably available on -island. No countywide composting system exists, so "compostable" items will still end up in landfills. The ordinance imposes fines up to $1,000 per violation, threatening the survival of small businesses. We urge the County Council to: ■ Delay implementation until viable composting and recycling infrastructure exists. ■ Provide exemptions or financial support for small businesses. ■ Collaborate with local business owners to develop a fair, phased waste reduction plan. Let's protect our'aina and our local economy by creating policies that are practical, inclusive, and sustainable for everyone. Full Name Nicola Koyama City Hilo Signature /Y17 Date Friday, October 31, 2025 ��{IAA Saturday, November 1, 2025 Protect Local Small Businesses Kunuetehua lndusWal Area Association Amend or Delay Hawaii County Council Bill 83 (Draft 2) We, the undersigned, respectfully oppose Hawaii County Bill 83 (Draft 2) — the proposed ordinance banning plastic and polystyrene foodware and serviceware. While we support environmental sustainability, this ordinance — as written — will place unfair financial and operational burdens on small local restaurants, cafes, and food vendors that already struggle to survive. Our Concerns: ■ CMA- or BPI -certified compostable products are two to four times more expensive and not reliably available on -island. ■ No countywide composting system exists, so "compostable" items will still end up in landfills. • The ordinance imposes fines up to $1,000 per violation, threatening the survival of small businesses. We urge the County Council to: ■ Delay implementation until viable composting and recycling infrastructure exists. ■ Provide exemptions or financial support for small businesses. ■ Collaborate with local business owners to develop a fair, phased waste reduction plan. Let's protect our'aina and our local economy by creating policies that are practical, inclusive, and sustainable for everyone. Full Name Business/Organization (if applicable) city Email Address (optional) Signature Donna C Takara Hilo Grinds, LLC Hilo donna_takara@hotmail.com Date Sunday, November 2, 2025 (91AAK Sunday, November 2, 2025 Protect Local Small Businesses Kanaelehua Industrial Area Association Amend or Delay Hawaii County Council Bill 83 (Draft 2) We, the undersigned, respectfully oppose Hawaii County Bill 83 (Draft 2) — the proposed ordinance banning plastic and polystyrene foodware and serviceware. While we support environmental sustainability, this ordinance — as written — will place unfair financial and operational burdens on small local restaurants, cafes, and food vendors that already struggle to survive. Our Concerns: CMA- or BPI -certified compostable products are two to four times more expensive and not reliably available on -island. No countywide composting system exists, so "compostable" items will still end up in landfills. The ordinance imposes fines up to $1,000 per violation, threatening the survival of small businesses. We urge the County Council to: ■ Delay implementation until viable composting and recycling infrastructure exists. ■ Provide exemptions or financial support for small businesses. ■ Collaborate with local business owners to develop a fair, phased waste reduction plan. Let's protect our'aina and our local economy by creating policies that are practical, inclusive, and sustainable for everyone. Full Name Business/Organization (if applicable) city Email Address (optional) Signature Candace Fukuda-Hanle Kandi's Drive Inn Hio jchanle@mac.com Date Sunday, November 2, 2025 IKIAAMonday, November 3, 2025 Q)Protect Local Small Businesses Kanoelebuo Industrial AreaAsmriation Amend or Delay Hawaii County Council Bill 83 (Draft 2) We, the undersigned, respectfully oppose Hawai'i County Bill 83 (Draft 2) — the proposed ordinance banning plastic and polystyrene foodware and serviceware. While we support environmental sustainability, this ordinance — as written — will place unfair financial and operational burdens on small local restaurants, cafes, and food vendors that already struggle to survive. Our Concerns: ■ CMA- or BPI -certified compostable products are two to four times more expensive and not reliably available on -island. No countywide composting system exists, so "compostable" items will still end up in landfills. The ordinance imposes fines up to $1,000 per violation, threatening the survival of small businesses. We urge the County Council to: • Delay implementation until viable composting and recycling infrastructure exists. ■ Provide exemptions or financial support for small businesses. ■ Collaborate with local business owners to develop a fair, phased waste reduction plan. Let's protect our'aina and our local economy by creating policies that are practical, inclusive, and sustainable for everyone. Full Name Business/Organization (if applicable) City Email Address (optional) Signature Date Kent Miyashiro Keaau Shell Food Mart Keaau keaaushellfm@gmail.com Monday, November 3, 2025 IKIAA Monday, November 3, 2025 Q)Protect Local Small Businesses Kanoelenuuindu:Vial Amn Assodotion Amend or Delay Hawaii County Council Bill 83 (Draft 2) We, the undersigned, respectfully oppose Hawaii County Bill 83 (Draft 2) — the proposed ordinance banning plastic and polystyrene foodware and serviceware. While we support environmental sustainability, this ordinance — as written — will place unfair financial and operational burdens on small local restaurants, cafes, and food vendors that already struggle to survive. Our Concerns: ■ CMA- or BPI -certified compostable products are two to four times more expensive and not reliably available on -island. ■ No countywide composting system exists, so "compostable" items will still end up in landfills. ■ The ordinance imposes fines up to $1,000 per violation, threatening the survival of small businesses. We urge the County Council to: ■ Delay implementation until viable composting and recycling infrastructure exists. ■ Provide exemptions or financial support for small businesses. ■ Collaborate with local business owners to develop a fair, phased waste reduction plan. Let's protect our'aina and our local economy by creating policies that are practical, inclusive, and sustainable for everyone. Full Name Business/Organization (if applicable) city Email Address (optional) Signature Date Ryan Kadota KADOTA LIQUOR Hilo kadotaliquor@gmail.com r L� Monday, November 3, 2025 {IAAMonday, November 3, 2025 Q)Protect Local Small Businesses Kanoetenuu �naustau�Area Aswanau" Amend or Delay Hawaii County Council Bill 83 (Draft 2) We, the undersigned, respectfully oppose Hawaii County Bill 83 (Draft 2) — the proposed ordinance banning plastic and polystyrene foodware and serviceware. While we support environmental sustainability, this ordinance — as written — will place unfair financial and operational burdens on small local restaurants, cafes, and food vendors that already struggle to survive. Our Concerns: CMA- or BPI -certified compostable products are two to four times more expensive and not reliably available on -island. No countywide composting system exists, so "compostable" items will still end up in landfills. The ordinance imposes fines up to $1,000 per violation, threatening the survival of small businesses. We urge the County Council to: ■ Delay implementation until viable composting and recycling infrastructure exists. ■ Provide exemptions or financial support for small businesses. ■ Collaborate with local business owners to develop a fair, phased waste reduction plan. Let's protect our'aina and our local economy by creating policies that are practical, inclusive, and sustainable for everyone. Full Name Business/Organization (if applicable) City Email Address (optional) Signature Date Terri Inouye Restaurant Kenichi Hilo restaurantkenichi@gmail.com Monday, November 3, 2025 Monday, November 3, 2025 Q)1K1AAProtect Local Small Businesses dAmend or Delay Hawaii County Council Bill 83 (Draft 2) We, the undersigned, respectfully oppose Hawaii County Bill 83 (Draft 2) — the proposed ordinance banning plastic and polystyrene foodware and serviceware. While we support environmental sustainability, this ordinance — as written — will place unfair financial and operational burdens on small local restaurants, cafes, and food vendors that already struggle to survive. Our Concerns: • CMA- or BPI -certified compostable products are two to four times more expensive and not reliably available on -island. ■ No countywide composting system exists, so "compostable" items will still end up in landfills. ■ The ordinance imposes fines up to $1,000 per violation, threatening the survival of small businesses. We urge the County Council to: ■ Delay implementation until viable composting and recycling infrastructure exists. ■ Provide exemptions or financial support for small businesses. ■ Collaborate with local business owners to develop a fair, phased waste reduction plan. Let's protect our'aina and our local economy by creating policies that are practical, inclusive, and sustainable for everyone. Full Name Business/Organization (if applicable) city Email Address (optional) Signature Date Mari Kobayashi Cafe 100,Inc Hilo Cafe100mari@gmail.com I� Monday, November 3, 2025 {IAA Monday, November 3, 2025 Protect Local Small Businesses I(anoe�enuu mauscan�Area Aswaneu" Amend or Delay Hawaii County Council Bill 83 (Draft 2) We, the undersigned, respectfully oppose Hawaii County Bill 83 (Draft 2) — the proposed ordinance banning plastic and polystyrene foodware and serviceware. While we support environmental sustainability, this ordinance — as written — will place unfair financial and operational burdens on small local restaurants, cafes, and food vendors that already struggle to survive. Our Concerns: CMA- or BPI -certified compostable products are two to four times more expensive and not reliably available,on-island. No countywide composting system exists, so "compostable" items will still end up in landfills. The ordinance imposes fines up to $1,000 per violation, threatening the survival of small businesses. We urge the County Council to: ■ Delay implementation until viable composting and recycling infrastructure exists. ■ Provide exemptions or financial support for small businesses. , ■ Collaborate with local business owners to develop a fair, phased waste reduction plan. Let's protect our'aina and our local economy by creating policies that are practical, inclusive, and sustainable for everyone. Full Name Erin Araki Business/Organization (if applicable) Kuhio Grille City Hilo Signature^\ Date Monday, November 3, 2025 Q)IAAK Monday, November 3, 2025 Protect Local Small Businesses ftunnelehuo Industrial Area Association Amend or Delay Hawaii County Council Bill 83 (Draft 2) We, the undersigned, respectfully oppose Hawaii County Bill 83 (Draft 2) — the proposed ordinance banning plastic and polystyrene foodware and serviceware. While we support environmental sustainability, this ordinance — as written — will place unfair financial and operational burdens on small local restaurants, cafes, and food vendors that already struggle to survive. Our Concerns: ■ CMA- or BPI -certified compostable products are two to four times more expensive and not reliably available on -island. ■ No countywide composting system exists, so "compostable" items will still end up in landfills. ■ The ordinance imposes fines up to $1,000 per violation, threatening the survival of small businesses. We urge the County Council to: • Delay implementation until viable composting and recycling infrastructure exists. ■ Provide exemptions or financial support for small businesses. ■ Collaborate with local business owners to develop a fair, phased waste reduction plan. Let's protect our'aina and our local economy by creating policies that are practical, inclusive, and sustainable for everyone. Full Name Business/Organization (if applicable) City Signature Timons Leung Sum Leung Chinese Kitchen Inc Hilo Date Monday, November 3, 2025