HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0482.234 2024-2026From: _ Malama Aina
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Sent: Tuesday, November 18, 2025 9:19 AM
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To: Council Testimony
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Subject: Testimony Bill 83 - Elliott Grimm
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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 1r ge-step
forward for Hawaii Island.
My name is Elliott Grimm and I attend ka'u high school, and participate in malama aina
compostables, a student -led program advocating against using single use plastics. My role in the
program is a part of the media team, being on the media team I get to see and record first hand how
plastics harm our environment. I believe that there are non plastic alternatives these big brands
choose not to use in order to save money. Our program works together to inform, prevent and clean
the dangers of plastics.
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.
Supporting Bill 83 means supporting the health of our reefs, our communities, and future generations.
Mahalo for taking this critical step forward.
Thank you!
Elliott. Grimm
Pahala, 96777
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