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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0482.249 2024-2026Q)1K1AAod November 18, 2025 Hawaii County Council 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, HI 96720 l7 Subject: Opposition to Bill 83 (Draft 2) — Combined Economic and Food Safety Impacts on Small Food Service Businesses Aloha Council Members, On behalf of the Kanoelehua Industrial Area Association, representing small businesses across Hawaii Island —including restaurants, food trucks, catering companies, and other food service providers —we respectfully submit this letter in opposition to Bill 83 (Draft 2). Our association fully supports responsible waste reduction and environmental stewardship. However, Bill 83—by requiring the exclusive use of CMA- or BPI -certified compostable foodware and serviceware—creates substantial food safety concerns while also imposing unsustainable economic burdens on small, locally owned businesses. We urge the Council to consider the following impacts that make the ordinance unworkable in its current form. FOOD SAFETY RISKS WITH MANDATED COMPOSTABLE FOODWARE 1. Compostable containers fail under heat, moisture, and oils Members report frequent issues with compostable alternatives: • Warping or collapsing when holding hot foods • Leaking when used with saucy or oily dishes • Softening during transport, risking spills and contamination These failures create real hazards for customers and staff, increasing the risk of burns, foodbome illness, and sanitation violations. 2. No guaranteed products are free from harmful additives Even certified compostable products often contain: Comm. •�� Ref. To: Ref. Dafe__KGV ], 9 909 • Chemical coatings to resist grease • Bioplastic liners • PFAS-like compounds used for heat resistance Without a local verification process or island -specific safety testing, mandating products may introduce unknown chemical exposure risks into the food chain. 3. Increased pest attraction and sanitation challenges Plant -based products: • Break down faster • Absorb moisture • Emit food -like odors In Hawaii's humid climate, drastically increases rodent, ant, and insect activity creating violations of DOH food safety regulations. 4. No commercial composting facility on Hawaii Island CMA- and BPI -certified materials require industrial composting systems that do not exist locally. As a result, compostable products will: • Sit in waste bins longer • Breakdown prematurely • Contribute to pest issues • Ultimately end up in the landfill anyway This undermines the bill's environmental goals while creating new sanitation risks. ECONOMIC IMPACTS ON SMALL BUSINESSES 1. Compostable alternatives cost 2-4x more For small restaurants operating on extremely thin margins: • Cups, bowls, and plates increase dramatically in cost • Supply chain inconsistencies force businesses to source from off -island • These cost increases cannot always be passed on to customers For many, particularly in rural districts, this is the difference between staying open or closing. 2. Unstable supply availability Certified compostable products: • Are often out of stock • Arrive damaged • Require bulk ordering and off -island shipping • Cannot be stored long-term due to humidity and breakdown While compliant products are unavailable, the business faces the choice of shutting down service or facing fines under Bill 83. 3. Reusable requirements are unrealistic for many operators Small restaurants and food trucks often lack: • High -temperature dishwashing equipment • Sufficient space for storage • Staff capacity to sanitize at the required frequency This makes reusable systems impractical, unsafe, and noncompliant with DOH sanitization rules. 4. Mandatory fines add risk to already fragile businesses Bill 83 imposes penalties up to $1,000 per violation, including for special events and food trucks that rely on outdoor community gatherings. This punitive structure disproportionately harms: • Farmers market vendors • Pop-up chefs • Family -owned restaurants • Event -based food operators In many cases, a single violation could wipe out an entire week's revenue. CONCLUSION: A PATH FORWARD THAT BALANCES SAFETY, ECONOMY, AND THE ENVIRONMENT We agree with and support the County's intention to reduce waste and protect the environment. However, regulations that directly impact food service must prioritize: 0 Food safety • Public health • Economic feasibility for the small businesses that feed our communities. Bill 83 (Draft 2), as written, does not meet these requirements. We respectfully request the Council to: • Delay implementation until island -wide composting infrastructure exists. • Provide small business exemptions or subsidies to offset cost increases. • Engage directly with food safety experts, DOH officials, and small business representatives to ensure policies protect both people and the environment. Thank you for your attention, your service, and your willingness to listen to the concerns of the small business community. We remain ready to participate in further discussions and to help shape a balanced solution. With respect and aloha, Allan Onishi President Kanoelehua Industrial Area Association 820 hilani Street, Suite 2011 Hilo, H[ 967201 Tel: 808-961-54221 Web: w .kiaahilo.org (E)IAKFriday, October 31, 2025 AProtect Local Small Businesses Nanoelehua Industrial Area Assoc at'on Amend or Delay Hawaii County Council Bill 83 (Draft 2) We, the undersigned, respectfully oppose Hawai'i County Bill 83 (Draft 2) — the proposed ordinance banning plastic and polystyrene foodware and serviceware. While we support environmental sustainability, this ordinance — as written — will place unfair financial and operational burdens on small local restaurants, cafes, and food vendors that already struggle to survive. Our Concerns: ■ CMA- or BPI -certified compostable products are two to four times more expensive and not reliably available on -island. ■ No countywide composting system exists, so "compostable" items will still end up in landfills. ■ The ordinance imposes fines up to $1,000 per violation, threatening the survival of small businesses. We urge the County Council to: Delay implementation until viable composting and recycling infrastructure exists. Provide exemptions or financial support for small businesses. Collaborate with local business owners to develop a fair, phased waste reduction plan. Let's protect our'aina and our local economy by creating policies that are practical, inclusive, and sustainable for everyone. Full Name Don Hoota Business/Organization (if applicable) Don's Grill City Signature *� Date Friday, October 31, 2025 (G)MAkFriday, October 31, 2025 rotect Local Small Businesses Kanoelehua Industrial Area Association Amend or Delay Hawaii County Council Bill 83 (Draft 2) We, the undersigned, respectfully oppose Hawaii County Bill 83 (Draft 2) — the proposed ordinance banning plastic and polystyrene foodware and serviceware. While we support environmental sustainability, this ordinance — as written — will place unfair financial and operational burdens on small local restaurants, cafes, and food vendors that already struggle to survive. Our Concerns: ■ CMA- or BPI -certified compostable products are two to four times more expensive and not reliably available on -island. ■ No countywide composting system exists, so "compostable" items will still end up in landfills. ■ The ordinance imposes fines up to $1,000 per violation, threatening the survival of small businesses. We urge the County Council to: ■ Delay implementation until viable composting and recycling infrastructure exists. ■ Provide exemptions or financial support for small businesses. ■ Collaborate with local business owners to develop a fair, phased waste reduction plan. Let's protect our'aina and our local economy by creating policies that are practical, inclusive, and sustainable for everyone. Full Name Nicola Koyama City Hilo Signature Date Friday, October 31, 2025 (G)KIAAProtect Saturday, November 1, 2025 Local Small Businesses Nonoelehuo todustriolArea Asada"°" Amend or Delay Hawaii County Council Bill 83 (Draft 2) We, the undersigned, respectfully oppose Hawai'i County Bill 83 (Draft 2) — the proposed ordinance banning plastic and polystyrene foodware and serviceware. While we support environmental sustainability, this ordinance — as written — will place unfair financial and operational burdens on small local restaurants, cafes, and food vendors that already struggle to survive. Our Concerns: ■ CMA- or BPI -certified compostable products are two to four times more expensive and not reliably available on -island. ■ No countywide composting system exists, so "compostable" items will still end up in landfills. ■ The ordinance imposes fines up to $1,000 per violation, threatening the survival of small businesses. We urge the County Council to: ■ Delay implementation until viable composting and recycling infrastructure exists. ■ Provide exemptions or financial support for small businesses. • Collaborate with local business owners to develop a fair, phased waste reduction plan. Let's protect our'aina and our local economy by creating policies that are practical, inclusive, and sustainable for everyone. Full Name Business/Organization (if applicable) City Email Address (optional) Signature Donna C Takara Hilo Grinds, LLC Hilo donna_takara@hotmail.com Date Sunday, November 2, 2025 (G)KIAAProtect Sunday, November 2, 2025 Local Small Businesses Kanoelehua Industrial Area Association Amend or Delay Hawaii County Council Bill 83 (Draft 2) We, the undersigned, respectfully oppose Hawai'i County Bill 83 (Draft 2) — the proposed ordinance banning plastic and polystyrene foodware and serviceware. While we support environmental sustainability, this ordinance — as written — will place unfair financial and operational burdens on small local restaurants, cafes, and food vendors that already struggle to survive. Our Concerns: ■ CMA- or BPI -certified compostable products are two to four times more expensive and not reliably available on -island. ■ No countywide composting system exists, so "compostable" items will still end up in landfills. ■ The ordinance imposes fines up to $1,000 per violation, threatening the survival of small businesses. We urge the County Council to: ■ Delay implementation until viable composting and recycling infrastructure exists. ■ Provide exemptions or financial support for small businesses. ■ Collaborate with local business owners to develop a fair, phased waste reduction plan. Let's protect our'aina and our local economy by creating policies that are practical, inclusive, and sustainable for everyone. Full Name Business/Organization (if applicable) City Email Address (optional) Signature Candace Fukuda-Hanle Kand'fs Drive Inn Hio jchanle@mac.com MorM Date Sunday, November 2, 2025 (G)KIAAProtect Monday, November 3, 2025 Local Small Businesses Konoelehua Industrial Area Association Amend or Delay Hawaii County Council Bill 83 (Draft 2) We, the undersigned, respectfully oppose Hawaii County Bill 83 (Draft 2) — the proposed ordinance banning plastic and polystyrene foodware and serviceware. While we support environmental sustainability, this ordinance — as written — will place unfair financial and operational burdens on small local restaurants, cafes, and food vendors that already struggle to survive. Our Concerns: • CMA- or BPI -certified compostable products are two to four times more expensive and not reliably available on -island. ■ No countywide composting system exists, so "compostable" items will still end up in landfills. ■ The ordinance imposes fines up to $1,000 per violation, threatening the survival of small businesses. We urge the County Council to: ■ Delay implementation until viable composting and recycling infrastructure exists. ■ Provide exemptions or financial support for small businesses. ■ Collaborate with local business owners to develop a fair, phased waste reduction plan. Let's protect our'aina and our local economy by creating policies that are practical, inclusive, and sustainable for everyone. Full Name Business/Organization (if applicable) City Email Address (optional) Signature Date Kent Miyashiro Keaau Shell Food Mart Keaau keaaushellfm@gmail.com Monday, November 3, 2025 (E)IKIAAod Monday, November 3, 2025 Protect Local Small Businesses Amend or Delay Hawaii County Council Bill 83 (Draft 2) We, the undersigned, respectfully oppose Hawai'i County Bill 83 (Draft 2) — the proposed ordinance banning plastic and polystyrene foodware and serviceware. While we support environmental sustainability, this ordinance — as written — will place unfair financial and operational burdens on small local restaurants, cafes, and food vendors that already struggle to survive. Our Concerns: • CMA- or BPI -certified compostable products are two to four times more expensive and not reliably available on -island. ■ No countywide composting system exists, so "compostable" items will still end up in landfills. ■ The ordinance imposes fines up to $1,000 per violation, threatening the survival of small businesses. We urge the County Council to: ■ Delay implementation until viable composting and recycling infrastructure exists. ■ Provide exemptions or financial support for small businesses. ■ Collaborate with local business owners to develop a fair, phased waste reduction plan. Let's protect our'aina and our local economy by creating policies that are practical, inclusive, and sustainable for everyone. Full Name Business/Organization (if applicable) City Email Address (optional) Signature Ryan Kadota KADOTA LIQUOR Hilo kadotaliquor@gmail.com Date Monday, November 3, 2025 (G)KIAAProtect Monday, November 3, 2025 Local Small Businesses Konoelehua Industrial Area Assodariao Amend or Delay Hawaii County Council Bill 83 (Draft 2) We, the undersigned, respectfully oppose Hawaii County Bill 83 (Draft 2) — the proposed ordinance banning plastic and polystyrene foodware and serviceware. While we support environmental sustainability, this ordinance — as written — will place unfair financial and operational burdens on small local restaurants, cafes, and food vendors that already struggle to survive. Our Concerns: ■ CMA- or BPI -certified compostable products are two to four times more expensive and not reliably available on -island. ■ No countywide composting system exists, so "compostable" items will still end up in landfills. . The ordinance imposes fines up to $1,000 per violation, threatening the survival of small businesses. We urge the County Council to: Delay implementation until viable composting and recycling infrastructure exists. Provide exemptions or financial support for small businesses. Collaborate with local business owners to develop a fair, phased waste reduction plan. Let's protect our'aina and our local economy by creating policies that are practical, inclusive, and sustainable for everyone. Full Name Business/Organization (if applicable) city Email Address (optional) Signature Date Terri Inouye Restaurant Kenichi Hilo restaurantkenichi@gmail.com Monday, November 3, 2025 (G)KIAAProtect Monday, November 3, 2025 Local Small Businesses Kanoelehuo Industrial Area Association Amend or Delay Hawaii County Council Bill 83 (Draft 2) We, the undersigned, respectfully oppose Hawai'i County Bill 83 (Draft 2) — the proposed ordinance banning plastic and polystyrene foodware and serviceware. While we support environmental sustainability, this ordinance — as written — will place unfair financial and operational burdens on small local restaurants, cafes, and food vendors that already struggle to survive. Our Concerns: ■ CMA- or BPI -certified compostable products are two to four times more expensive and not reliably available on -island. ■ No countywide composting system exists, so "compostable" items will still end up in landfills. ■ The ordinance imposes fines up to $1,000 per violation, threatening the survival of small businesses. We urge the County Council to: ■ Delay implementation until viable composting and recycling infrastructure exists. ■ Provide exemptions or financial support for small businesses. • Collaborate with local business owners to develop a fair, phased waste reduction plan. Let's protect our'sina and our local economy by creating policies that are practical, inclusive, and sustainable for everyone. Full Name Business/Organization (if applicable) city Email Address (optional) Signature Date Mari Kobayashi Cafe 100,Inc Hilo CafelOOmari@gmaii.com l Monday, November 3, 2025 IKIAAMonday, November 3, 2025 (DProtect Local Small Businesses Kanoelehun Industrial Area Association Amend or Delay Hawaii County Council Bill 83 (Draft 2) We, the undersigned, respectfully oppose Hawai'i County Bill 83 (Draft 2) — the proposed ordinance banning plastic and polystyrene foodware and serviceware. While we support environmental sustainability, this ordinance — as written — will place unfair financial and operational burdens on small local restaurants, cafes, and food vendors that already struggle to survive. Our Concerns: ■ CMA- or BPI -certified compostable products are two to four times more expensive and not reliably available on -island. ■ No countywide composting system exists, so "compostable" items will still end up in landfills. • The ordinance imposes fines up to $1,000 per violation, threatening the survival of small businesses. We urge the County Council to: Delay implementation until viable composting and recycling infrastructure exists. Provide exemptions or financial support for small businesses. Collaborate with local business owners to develop a fair, phased waste reduction plan. Let's protect our'aina and our local economy by creating policies that are practical, inclusive, and sustainable for everyone. Full Name Erin Araki Business/Organization (if applicable) Kuhio Grille City Hilo Signature ^` Date Monday, November 3, 2025 (G)KIAAProtect Monday, November 3, 2025 Local Small Businesses Kanoelehuaindustriat Area Association Amend or Delay Hawaii County Council Bill 83 (Draft 2) We, the undersigned, respectfully oppose Hawai'i County Bill 83 (Draft 2) — the proposed ordinance banning plastic and polystyrene foodware and serviceware. While we support environmental sustainability, this ordinance — as written — will place unfair financial and operational burdens on small local restaurants, cafes, and food vendors that already struggle to survive. Our Concerns: CMA- or BPI -certified compostable products are two to four times more expensive and not reliably available on -island. ■ No countywide composting system exists, so "compostable" items will still end up in landfills. ■ The ordinance imposes fines up to $1,000 per violation, threatening the survival of small businesses. We urge the County Council to: ■ Delay implementation until viable composting and recycling infrastructure exists. ■ Provide exemptions or financial support for small businesses. ■ Collaborate with local business owners to develop a fair, phased waste reduction plan. Let's protect our'aina and our local economy by creating policies that are practical, inclusive, and sustainable for everyone. Full Name Timons Leung Business/Organization (if applicable) Sum Leung Chinese Kitchen Inc City Hilo Signature Date Monday, November 3, 2025 (5)KIAAProtect Tuesday, November 4, 2025 Local Small Businesses Kanoelehua Industnol Area Assadm'oo Amend or Delay Hawaii County Council Bill 83 (Draft 2) We, the undersigned, respectfully oppose Hawai'i County Bill 83 (Draft 2) — the proposed ordinance banning plastic and polystyrene foodware and serviceware. While we support environmental sustainability, this ordinance — as written — will place unfair financial and operational burdens on small local restaurants, cafes, and food vendors that already struggle to survive. Our Concerns: ■ CMA- or BPI -certified compostable products are two to four times more expensive and not reliably available on -island. ■ No countywide composting system exists, so "compostable" items will still end up in landfills. ■ The ordinance imposes fines up to $1,000 per violation, threatening the survival of small businesses. We urge the County Council to: Delay implementation until viable composting and recycling infrastructure exists. Provide exemptions or financial support for small businesses. Collaborate with local business owners to develop a fair, phased waste reduction plan. Let's protect our'aina and our local economy by creating policies that are practical, inclusive, and sustainable for everyone. Full Name Business/Organization (if applicable) City Email Address (optional) Signature Megan N. Caoagdan Keaukaha General Store M.! megancaoagdan@gmail.com Date Tuesday, November 4, 2025 (G)KIAAProtect Tuesday, November 4, 2025 Local Small Businesses Nanoetehua Industrial Area Association Amend or Delay Hawaii County Council Bill 83 (Draft 2) We, the undersigned, respectfully oppose Hawai' i County Bill 83 (Draft 2) — the proposed ordinance banning plastic and polystyrene foodware and serviceware. While we support environmental sustainability, this ordinance — as written — will place unfair financial and operational burdens on small local restaurants, cafes, and food vendors that already struggle to survive. Our Concerns: • CMA- or BPI -certified compostable products are two to four times more expensive and not reliably available on -island. ■ No countywide composting system exists, so "compostable" items will still end up in landfills. ■ The ordinance imposes fines up to $1,000 per violation, threatening the survival of small businesses. We urge the County Council to: ■ Delay implementation until viable composting and recycling infrastructure exists. ■ Provide exemptions or financial support for small businesses. ■ Collaborate with local business owners to develop a fair, phased waste reduction plan. Let's protect our'aina and our local economy by creating policies that are practical, inclusive, and sustainable for everyone. Full Name Tiarre Kobayashi Business/Organization (if applicable) Keaukaha General Store city Hilo Signature ✓I`/���` Date Tuesday, November 4, 2025 (E)IKIAAProtect Wednesday, November 5, 2025 Local Small Businesses Konoelehua Industrial Area Association Amend or Delay Hawaii County Council Bill 83 (Draft 2) We, the undersigned, respectfully oppose Hawaii County Bill 83 (Draft 2) — the proposed ordinance banning plastic and polystyrene foodware and serviceware. While we support environmental sustainability, this ordinance — as written — will place unfair financial and operational burdens on small local restaurants, cafes, and food vendors that already struggle to survive. Our Concerns: ■ CMA- or BPI -certified compostable products are two to four times more expensive and not reliably available on -island. ■ No countywide composting system exists, so "compostable" items will still end up in landfills. ■ The ordinance imposes fines up to $1,000 per violation, threatening the survival of small businesses. We urge the County Council to: Delay implementation until viable composting and recycling infrastructure exists. Provide exemptions or financial support for small businesses. Collaborate with local business owners to develop a fair, phased waste reduction plan. Let's protect our'aina and our local economy by creating policies that are practical, inclusive, and sustainable for everyone. Full Name Business/Organization (if applicable) City Email Address (optional) Signature Haliko Hauanio Keaukaha General Store "MI halikohauaniol 8@gmail.com Date Wednesday, November 5, 2025 (OKMAProtect Wednesday, November 5, 2025 Local Small Businesses Konoelehua Industrial Area Association Amend or Delay Hawaii County Council Bill 83 (Draft 2) We, the undersigned, respectfully oppose Hawai'i County Bill 83 (Draft 2) — the proposed ordinance banning plastic and polystyrene foodware and serviceware. While we support environmental sustainability, this ordinance — as written — will place unfair financial and operational burdens on small local restaurants, cafes, and food vendors that already struggle to survive. Our Concerns: ■ CMA- or BPI -certified compostable products are two to four times more expensive and not reliably available on -island. ■ No countywide composting system exists, so "compostable" items will still end up in landfills. ■ The ordinance imposes fines up to $1,000 per violation, threatening the survival of small businesses. We urge the County Council to: Delay implementation until viable composting and recycling infrastructure exists. Provide exemptions or financial support for small businesses. Collaborate with local business owners to develop a fair, phased waste reduction plan. Let's protect our'aina and our local economy by creating policies that are practical, inclusive, and sustainable for everyone. Full Name Business/Organization (if applicable) city Email Address (optional) Signature Marissa Wilson Restaurant Kenichi M smk09tekl4@gmaii.com Date Wednesday, November 5, 2025 (G)KIAAProtect Wednesday, November 5, 2025 Local Small Businesses Kanoelehua Industrial Area Association Amend or Delay Hawaii County Council Bill 83 (Draft 2) We, the undersigned, respectfully oppose Hawai'i County Bill 83 (Draft 2) — the proposed ordinance banning plastic and polystyrene foodware and serviceware. While we support environmental sustainability, this ordinance — as written — will place unfair financial and operational burdens on small local restaurants, cafes, and food vendors that already struggle to survive. Our Concerns: ■ CMA- or BPI -certified compostable products are two to four times more expensive and not reliably available on -island. ■ No countywide composting system exists, so "compostable" items will still end up in landfills. ■ The ordinance imposes fines up to $1,000 per violation, threatening the survival of small businesses. We urge the County Council to: ■ Delay implementation until viable composting and recycling infrastructure exists. ■ Provide exemptions or financial support for small businesses. • Collaborate with local business owners to develop a fair, phased waste reduction plan. Let's protect our'aina and our local economy by creating policies that are practical, inclusive, and sustainable for everyone. Full Name Aaron Ideta Business/Organization (if applicable) Restaurant Kenichi City Hilo Signature Date Sunday, October 5, 2025 (G)KIAAProtect Wednesday, November 5, 2025 Local Small Businesses Kanoetehun Industrial Area Association Amend or Delay Hawaii County Council Bill 83 (Draft 2) We, the undersigned, respectfully oppose Hawai'i County Bill 83 (Draft 2) — the proposed ordinance banning plastic and polystyrene foodware and serviceware. While we support environmental sustainability, this ordinance — as written — will place unfair financial and operational burdens on small local restaurants, cafes, and food vendors that already struggle to survive. Our Concerns: ■ CMA- or BPI -certified compostable products are two to four times more expensive and not reliably available on -island. ■ No countywide composting system exists, so "compostable" items will still end up in landfills. ■ The ordinance imposes fines up to $1,000 per violation, threatening the survival of small businesses. We urge the County Council to: ■ Delay implementation until viable composting and recycling infrastructure exists. ■ Provide exemptions or financial support for small businesses. • Collaborate with local business owners to develop a fair, phased waste reduction plan. Let's protect our %ina and our local economy by creating policies that are practical, inclusive, and sustainable for everyone. Full Name Liamae starnes Business/Organization (if applicable) Restaurant kenichi City Hilo Email Address (optional) I-starnes@live.com Signature Loe� Date Wednesday, November 5, 2025 (G)KIAAProtectFriday, November 7, 2025 Local Small Businesses Konoelehuo Industrial Area Association Amend or Delay Hawaii County Council Bill 83 (Draft 2) We, the undersigned, respectfully oppose Hawaii County Bill 83 (Draft 2) — the proposed ordinance banning plastic and polystyrene foodware and serviceware. While we support environmental sustainabiIity, this ordinance —as written — will place unfair financial and operational burdens on small local restaurants, cafes, and food vendors that already struggle to survive. Our Concerns: • CMA- or BPI -certified compostable products are two to four times more expensive and not reliably available on -island. ■ No countywide composting system exists, so "compostable" items will still end up in landfills. ■ The ordinance imposes fines up to $1,000 per violation, threatening the survival of small businesses. We urge the County Council to: ■ Delay implementation until viable composting and recycling infrastructure exists. ■ Provide exemptions or financial support for small businesses. ■ Collaborate with local business owners to develop a fair, phased waste reduction plan. Let's protect our'aina and our local economy by creating policies that are practical, inclusive, and sustainable for everyone. Full Name Kiana Taosaka-Kelii Business/Organization (if applicable) Restaurant Kenichi City Hilo Signature qz Date Friday, November 7, 2025 (G)KIAA13rotect Wednesday, November 19, 2025 Local Small Businesses Karroetehuo Industrial Area Association Amend or Delay Hawaii County Council Bill 83 (Draft 2) We, the undersigned, respectfully oppose Hawai'i County Bill 83 (Draft 2) — the proposed ordinance banning plastic and polystyrene foodware and serviceware. While we support environmental sustainability, this ordinance — as written — will place unfair financial and operational burdens on small local restaurants, cafes, and food vendors that already struggle to survive. Our Concerns: • CMA- or BPI -certified compostable products are two to four times more expensive and not reliably available on -island. ■ No countywide composting system exists, so "compostable" items will still end up in landfills. ■ The ordinance imposes fines up to $1,000 per violation, threatening the survival of small businesses. We urge the County Council to: • Delay implementation until viable composting and recycling infrastructure exists. ■ Provide exemptions or financial support for small businesses. ■ Collaborate with local business owners to develop a fair, phased waste reduction plan. Let's protect our'aina and our local economy by creating policies that are practical, inclusive, and sustainable for everyone. f37IlI.FT T Loraine Terada Business/Organization (if applicable) H&L Terada Farm City Hilo Signature Date Wednesday, November 19, 2025 (G)KIAAProtect Wednesday, November 19, 2025 Local Small Businesses NanoelehuomdusUicd Area Assoclnfi°a Amend or Delay Hawaii County Council Bill 83 (Draft 2) We, the undersigned, respectfully oppose Hawaii County Bill 83 (Draft 2) — the proposed ordinance banning plastic and polystyrene foodware and serviceware. While we support environmental sustainability, this ordinance — as written — will place unfair financial and operational burdens on small local restaurants, cafes, and food vendors that already struggle to survive. Our Concerns: • CMA- or BPI -certified compostable products are two to four times more expensive and not reliably available on -island. ■ No countywide composting system exists, so "compostable" items will still end up in landfills. ■ The ordinance imposes fines up to $1,000 per violation, threatening the survival of small businesses. We urge the County Council to: ■ Delay implementation until viable composting and recycling infrastructure exists. ■ Provide exemptions or financial support for small businesses. • Collaborate with local business owners to develop a fair, phased waste reduction plan. Let's protect our'aina and our local economy by creating policies that are practical, inclusive, and sustainable for everyone. Full Name Henry Terada Business/Organization (if applicable) H&L Terada Farm City Hilo Signature Date Wednesday, November 19, 2025 (E)IKIAAProtect Wednesday, November 19,2025 Local Small Businesses Nonoelehuo Industrial Area Association Amend or Delay Hawaii County Council Bill 83 (Draft 2) We, the undersigned, respectfully oppose Hawaii County Bill 83 (Draft 2) — the proposed ordinance banning plastic and polystyrene foodware and serviceware. While we support environmental sustainability, this ordinance — as written — will place unfair financial and operational burdens on small local restaurants, cafes, and food vendors that already struggle to survive. Our Concerns: CMA- or BPI -certified compostable products are two to four times more expensive and not reliably available on -island. No countywide composting system exists, so "compostable" items will still end up in landfills. The ordinance imposes fines up to $1,000 per violation, threatening the survival of small businesses. We urge the County Council to: • Delay implementation until viable composting and recycling infrastructure exists. ■ Provide exemptions or financial support for small businesses. • Collaborate with local business owners to develop a fair, phased waste reduction plan. Let's protect our'aina and our local economy by creating policies that are practical, inclusive, and sustainable for everyone. Full Name Neal Nakashima Business/Organization (if applicable) Neal Nakashima DMD City Hilo Signature L/� Date Wednesday, November 19, 2025