HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0482.207 2024-2026Testimony for Hawaii County Council Meeting— November 5, 2025
Bill 83—Relating to Plastic and Polystyrene Waste
Position: Oppose (with recommendations)
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To: HawaN County Council
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From: Stephen Ueda
Company: Suisan Company, Limited
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Date: November 5, 2025
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Dear Chair Inaba, Vice Chair Onishi, and Members of the Committee,
My name is Stephen Ueda, and I am the President of Suisan Company, Limited, a local,
family -owned business serving Hawai'i Island's food industry for over 100 years. I
appreciate the Council's commitment to protecting our environment, but I respectfully
oppose Bill 83 in its current form.
1. Compostable Containers Will Still Go to the Landfill
Compostable containers are designed for high -heat, industrialcompostingsystems. Since
Hawaii Island does not have a composting facility, these containers will still end up in the
landfill, where they do not break down properly. Compostable containers will currently
provide little or no environmental benefit.
2. Many Businesses Already Use Compostables — But Still Oppose the Bill
Initial survey results from Hawaii Island food businesses show that 55 percent already use
compostable containers for part or all of their menu — even without a law requiring it.
30 percent use a mix of plastic and compostable containers.
• 25 percent use mostly compostables.
45 percent still rely on plastic, mainly for hot or oily foods that compostables can't
handle yet.
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However, about 70 percent of respondents oppose Bill83, including many who already use
compostables. They reported that the current products do not perform well for their menu
items and cost substantially more than plastic.
"We use compostables where we can, but they don't hold up for hotfoods."
"Halfourmenu works with compostables—the reststill needs plastic."
This shows that businesses are already making changes voluntarily, but forcing a full
conversion before better options exist will hurt local operators without helping the
environment. Instead of a one -size -fits -all mandate, the County can help by building
composting or recycling capacity so that new materials can actually be processed.
3. Higher Costs and Food Quality Problems
Price comparisons showthat switching entirely to compostables would raise packaging
costs by 40 to 100 percent:
• Forks: +98 %
• 8-inch three -compartment containers: +41
• 6-inch clear containers: +58 %
• 8-inch clear containers: +61
Compostables also don't perform well for many local foods —hot or oily dishes leak, lids
warp, and -boxes lose strength. Restaurants are forced to double -wrap or add a foil liner to
containers, adding both cost and waste.
4. Uneven Rules and Better Alternatives
Different packaging laws across counties create confusion and extra cost for operators. We
recommend amending Bill 83 to allow recyclable materials and add reasonable
exemptions for products not yet available in compostable form or needed for food safety.
Better options include:
Allowing Type 5 (polypropylene) containers —reusable, recyclable, and suitable for
hot foods.
• Delaying implementation until composting or advanced recycling facilities are
operational.
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Conclusion
Local food businesses share the County's goal of reducing waste and protecting Hawai`i's
environment. But Bill 83, as written, would force change before viable options exist —
raising costs, reducingfood quality, and offering little environmental benefit. Businesses
are already making progress; they need better options, not more regulation.
Mahalofor your time and consideration.
Stephen Ueda
President & CEO
Suisan Company, Limited