HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0482.221 2024-2026i
From: Stacey Breining
Sent: Monday, November 17, 2025 9:04 AM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Support Bill 83, Draft 2
Aloha Chair and members of our County Council,
I am writing to strongly urge you to support Bill 83, Draft 2, and its amendments. This is a huge step forward for Hawai'i
Island.
I have the with my own eyes the impact plastic pollution has had on our island ecosystems. Working with Hawaii Wildlife
Fund since 2009 we have pulled over 370 tons of marine debris from the coast lines of this island. The world's trash has
become our problem. The least we can do is minimize the amount of trash We are producing as an island community.
Plastic pollution is one of the greatest threats to our island's ecosystems and to our health for 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 human blood, tissues, and organs. Hawai'i's marine life —turtles, seabirds, and fish —are ingesting
plastics at alarming rates, and these toxins are entering our food chain.
We now have readily available, affordable, and environmentally responsible alternatives — such as bagasse (sugarcane
fiber), bamboo, paper -based compostables, PLA plant -based containers, and fully biodegradable cutlery — already being
used by many local small businesses who are leading the way. These products reduce waste, break down naturally, and
lighten the burden on our overstressed waste management system.
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Supporting Bill 83 means supporting the health of our reefs, our communities, and future generations.
Mahalo for taking this critical step forward. — �—
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Stacey Breining Q �l
Hilo, 96720 w
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Ref. To:
Ref. Date 1 9 2025