HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0482.185 2024-2026From:
Maki Morinoue
o�
Sent:
Monday, November 3, 2025 2:47 PM
c
=CD
To:
Council Testimony
t
Cc:
Alameda, Christian (Kimo)
o
Subject:
Please Support Bill 83, Draft 2
nr
N
']
Aloha
Chair and members of the County Council,
This is a fantastic opportunity for Hawaii Island. I strongly urge you to
support Bill 83, Draft 2, and its amendments. This is an incredible step
forward for our island's future!
Plastic pollution is one of the greatest threats to Hawai`i's health,
ecosystems, and generations to come. Every year, more than 11 million
metric tons of plastic enter the ocean, breaking down into microplastics
that contaminate our air, water, and even our own blood and organs. In
Hawaii, plastic debris washes up on the most remote, beautiful
shorelines, such as Kamilo Bay, and has been found in the
stomachs of 30% of seabirds and nearly half of
the sea turtles studied. These same toxins enter our food
chain and threaten our health.
But we are not helpless —many local small businesses have already taken
the lead. Across Hawaii Island, restaurants, cafes, and food trucks I have
noticed are switching to nontoxic, biodegradable packaging made from
plant -based materials such as bagasse (sugarcane pulp) and
other compostable materials. They've proven it's not only possible but
practical and responsible. Supporting Bill 83 honors their efforts and levels the
playing field for a cleaner economy.
We all know plastic never biodegrades —it only breaks apart. The
choices we make today will determine whether our keiki
inherit thriving reefs or oceans filled with plastic dust.
Please stand for our environment, our health, and our island's well-
being. Supporting Bill 83 is how we take care of our home and each
other. This is what sustainability and resilience can look like. Please pass
this bill.
Comm.
1 Ref. To:
Ref. Date 2Q25
Please take a IODIC at tale images of Kamilo Bay beach clean-ups.
https://www.wildhawaii.orci/our-work/conservation/marine-debris-removal/
Mahalo nui loa. We can do this! Imua!
Maki Morinoue
H U LI PAC
Holualoa, HI