The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutCOM 0482.255 2024-2026SIERRACLUB HAWAI I ISLAND GROUP November 19, 2025 oC-) c:� Hawai'i County Council —{ c/o Dr. Holeka Inaba, Chair [ — 25 Aupuni St. 0 0 c; Hilo HI 96720 — o i -u 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway c J Kailua Kona HI 96740 w Re: Strong support for Bill 83 without additional amendments Aloha Chair Inaba and members of the Council, The Sierra Club of Hawaii, Hawaii Island Group (HIG) is reiterating its strong support of Bill 83 and very much appreciates the Council's continuing support of the bill without further amendments. There is no longer any place on planet Earth from the North to the South Poles and into the depths of the oceans that plastic waste is not found. There is no longer any doubt that plastic is degrading the natural systems essential to the health and well-being of life on this planet. There is no plastics are compromising the health of the living natural systems that comprise our own individual bodies. The cost of single -use plastics to the health of all living things is not reflected in the prices we pay at time of purchase and/or as we use them. Until recently, it has been a hidden cost with a hidden payment schedule. But now the hidden costs and real price we are paying are becoming increasingly clear. Just one of these real prices is the accumulation of plastics in our bodies in shocking amounts with innumerable and incalculable life -altering impacts. Plastic in our bodies releases endocrine disruptors that affect the development of our children. Plastic accumulating in our brains may be contributing to chemical imbalances, inflammation and mental health issues, such as Alzheimer's disease. Given the increasing harm being caused to all living things and the ecosystems on Earth, it is difficult to understand why any business interest would be are opposed to Bill 83. ignore the known harms being caused to them, their families and friends, and their customers. Yet, in opposing Bill 83, many business interests seem to be perfectly OK with placing profits and Comm. na.2ss P O Box 1137 Hilo, HI 96721-1137 1 hawaiiislandsierraclub@gmaitcom Ref. To: Ref. Dote convenience over the health and well-being of themselves, their families and friends, their customers, their communities and their future. To address some concerns raised by businesses about Bill 83: Suisan recommended simply following Honolulu City and County Ordinance 19-30, so businesses operating on more than one island don't have to research different regulations for different islands. This would help avoid, the business practice of doing end runs around plastic bans by simply using thicker plastic and calling it "reusable" —though it often ends up being thrown away. Bill 83 addresses this by stating that disposable foodware and serviceware cannot be used unless they are compostable, or foodware and serviceware must be reusable. In addition, the bill gives provides more clarity by providing specific definitions of all terms. Suisan also said compostable containers cost about 40% more. But the experts at https://www.restaurantware.com/ have a different opinion that they are only 15% more and points out that this may be offset by increased purchases from customers who appreciate businesses that are environmentally friendly. With regard to Zippy's concern about compostable containers not holding up well, numerous studies of actual use have shown reusables hold up well. Several budding entrepreneurs are considering draft legislation that could allow ti leaf or other plant materials to make containers leakproof. Thank you for your consideration and this opportunity to testify .1i An^