HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0482.197 2024-2026November 5, 2025
To:
Hawai'i County Council
From:
Megan Salo
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Big Island Bubbles
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RE:
Bill 83 - Relating to Plastic and Polystyrene Waste
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Position:
Oppose (with recommendations)
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Dear Chair Inaba,
Vice Chair Onishi, and Members of the Committee:
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My name is Megan Salo, and I am the owner of the soda truck, Big Island Bubbles. We are a
family owned and operated truck and have been in business just under a year. I believe that Bill
83 would not only cause a rise in prices in our truck, but also within every aspect of the food
industry. While it's nice to try to help the environment, I don't believe this bill will help in any real
tangible way, but instead will hurt the local residents and business owners.
1. No Composting Facility
Hawai'i County does not have a composting facility that can process the containers
required under this bill. That means even "compostable" packaging will end up in the
landfill. If the County wants to ban certain materials, there should first be a system in
place to process the new materials properly. Otherwise, we are adding costs without
reducing waste.
2. Higher Costs for Businesses and Families
Restaurants and takeout spots depend on the containers and utensils this bill would
ban. The compostable versions are much more expensive:
a. Compostable forks cost twice as much as current plastic forks.
b. Compostable containers cost at least 40% more than the containers most places
use today.
When small businesses pay more for supplies, they have no choice but to raise prices.
That means families end up paying more for meals, at a time when everything is
already more expensive.
3. Food Safety and Quality Problems
Compostable containers do not hold up well in real life.
a. Hot or oily food leaks through or melts the lid.
b. Compostable forks and spoons break or get soft in hot foods or soups.
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Ref. To:
Ref. Dot
As one local restaurant owner said, "The compostable container leaks -you can't store
the food too long, and the cover melts. "If containers fail, the food becomes unsafe, and
customers lose trust in local businesses.
4. Different Rules Across Counties
Each county in Hawaii has its own packaging rules, which makes things very confusing
for businesses that sell in more than one county. We support making Hawai'i County's
rules match Honolulu's law (Ordinance 19-30). That law already gives businesses and
the environment a fair balance and is something many suppliers already follow.
5. Better Ways to Improve the Bill
Instead of a full ban, we suggest a few changes to make the bill more realistic:
a. Allow Type 5 (polypropylene) plastics- These are reusable, recyclable, and safe
for hot food. They are a practical and proven option.
b. Wait until composting facilities exist- Do not require materials that the island
cannot process yet.
c. Study the economic impact- Understand how much this change would really cost
small businesses and customers before passing it.
6. Conclusion
Everyone wants to protect Hawai'i's environment -we do too. But Bill 83 goes too far, too
fast. It raises costs, makes food packaging less safe, and does not reduce landfill waste
because the right facilities do not exist yet.
We ask the Committee to hold off on passing this bill and take more time to build the
infrastructure and find solutions that truly work for our island.
Maha to for your time and consideration.
Megan Salo
Owner
Big Island Bubbles