HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0482.217 2024-2026Date: November 4, 2025
RE: Bill 83 — Plastic & Polystyrene Waste Reduction Ordinance
Aloha Members of the Hawai'i County Council,
www.zerowastehi.org
zwhi@zerowastehi.org
808 657-5972
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Zero Waste Hawaii Island is in strong support of Bill 83—especially with the recent amendments
recognizing reuse as a permitted option under the ordinance. These updates significantly
strengthen the legislation by enabling both reuse and compostable solutions to address single -use
plastics and packaging waste.
We understand that some concerns have been raised within the business community regarding
compostable products —particularly around cost, performance, and the County's limited
composting infrastructure. The inclusion of reuse in Bill 83 helps to alleviate many of these concerns
by allowing for practical, durable, and cost -competitive alternatives that can operate alongside
compostable systems.
Through extensive business engagement in Hilo, we've found that many food -service businesses are
already making progress toward more sustainable packaging and are interested in participating in
future reuse systems. Among drink shops —such as coffee and boba tea vendors —approximately
77% have already transitioned to compostable cups, and across a broader sample of 92 Hilo
businesses, about 56% have switched to compostable or otherwise more sustainable packaging.
These figures demonstrate both readiness and community momentum toward better packaging
solutions.
It's also important to note that reuse systems can be cost-effective. Reusable items are projected to
be significantly less expensive for cups and slightly less expensive for food containers than
compostable alternatives. As participation grows, overall system costs are expected to decrease
further —providing both environmental and economic benefits for local businesses.
We appreciate the Council's thoughtful consideration of these issues and urge continued support
for the inclusion of reuse in Bill 83 as an essential component of a resilient, waste -reducing local
food service system.
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer Navarra
Program Director
Zero Waste Hawaii Island
Comm.Ike MIR—
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Ref. Dote — 5 2025