HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0482.215 2024-2026From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Aloha Chair Inaba and Members
My name is Tanya Yamanaka A
support of Bill 83, Draft 2 and its
Anne
3v, November 4, 2025 9:47 PM
ncil Testimony
port Bill 83, Draft 2
Hawai'i County Council,
a resident of Hilo, and I
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am submitting this testimony in strong
Bill 83 is a long overdue step toward protecting our communities, our 'aina, and future generations from the
accelerating harms of plastic poll ition. O'ahu and Maui have already passed similar legislation — and it is
time for Hawai'i Island to stand ir alignment with them and take more responsibility and care to reduce the
unnecessary uses of plastic.
This bill advances goals the County has already adopted from the Hawai'i County Zero Waste Plan, starting
with Resolution 356-07 "A Resoltition to Embrace and Adopt the Principles of Zero Waste as a Long -Term
Goal for Hawai'i County", adopteJ December 19, 2007 - nearly 18 years ago, to our most recent Integrated
Solid Waste Management Plan and Integrated Climate Action Plan. Supporting Bill 83 is not a new direction
— it is a long -promised implementation of what our County has already agreed to do. Bill 83 is also in
alignment with state commitments made under the Aloha+ Challenge Solid Waste Reduction Goals.
Hawai'i is not alone in addressinj 1 toxic plastic business -to -consumer solutions and pollution. Spain began
taxing non -reusable plastic pack ging in 2023 and has already banned products like plastic straws, cutlery,
and cotton buds. Microsoft has p edged to go zero -waste by 2030. LEGO is eliminating fossil -fuel -based
resins. Starbucks and McDonald s have already launched reusable cup pilot programs in San Francisco. The
world — including major govemr ients and global corporations — is already ahead of us.
By reducing harmful single -use dlastic foodware and serviceware, Bill 83 will:
• Reduce toxic plastic POUL
tion and protect environmental and human health outcomes
• Advance local compostin
3 and circular economy solutions that tied to food security
• Encourage responsible b
isiness innovation and reusable, non -plastic alternatives
• Demonstrate governmen
leadership in protecting the public interest and public health
• Align us with the future w
a want our grandchildren's children to inherit
I respectfully ask you to say
Mahalo for your service and for
Tanya Yamanaka Aynessazian
Hilo, Hawaii
Tanya Yamanaka Aynessazian
Freedom ties in being bold. Ro
To Bill 83. This is our opportunity to lead with care, integrity, and foresight.
commitment to the 'aina and the people of Hawai'i Island.
Frost