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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0482.224 2024-2026From: Sarah Chard on Sent: Monday, November 17, 2025 9:32 PM c > c To: Council Testimony Subject: Testimony in Strong Support of Bill 83, Draft 2 co o-< ys >� Aloha Chair and Councilmembers, co 1 w C _ I am writingto strongly urge you to support Bill 83, Draft 2, and its amendments. This is an essential step forward for Hawai'i Island and for the long-term health of our ecosystems, our communities, and future generations. Plastic pollution remains one of the greatest threats to our island home. Every year, more than 11 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean, breaking down into microplastics that contaminate our air, water, soil, and even human blood 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. For the past decade, my business Loved by the Sun has been committed to solutions. From day one, ten years now, we have exclusively used compostable products. We also operate a glass bottle return and reuse program, keeping thousands of bottles each year out of our overstressed landfill. If a small business like mine can do this consistently for a decade, there is absolutely no excuse for larger businesses to do it as well. Cost is not a valid excuse, especially when small businesses are already absorbing these costs because it is the right thing to do. We already have reliable, affordable, environmentally responsible alternatives: bagasse (sugarcane fiber), bamboo, paper -based compostables, PLA plant -based containers, and fully biodegradable cutlery. These materials are being used successfully by many local small businesses who are leadingthe way. With broader participation from larger businesses, Hawaii Island could dramatically expand demand, break the current monopoly on compostable distributors, and create more options and lower prices for everyone and make a difference for our community. But it cannot fall solely on small businesses any longer. The County must not only pass this bill, it must also support it with real infrastructure and incentives. We need: • County -backed incentives for waste reduction • A concrete plan and timeline for a true island -wide composting facility & glass washing facility. • Shared responsibility rather than placing the entire burden on businesses Small businesses have carried this torch for too long. We are doing our part. Now the County and big business must do theirs. Supporting Bill 83 means supporting our reefs, our keiki, our communities, and the future of Hawai'i Island. Mahalo for takingthis critical step forward and for helping us create a healthier and more sustainable island home. Comm. Na..0229 Ref. To: Ref. Date 9 2025 Sarah Chard Owner Loved by the Sun