HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0482.258 2024-2026From: Maki Morinoue
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Sent: Tuesday, November 18, 2025 7:29 AM
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To: Council Testimony
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Subject: Support Bill 83, Draft 2
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Aloha Chair and members of our County Council,
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My name is Maki Morinoue, and I am writing in strong support of Bill 83, Draft 2, and its amendfhents.
This bill is more than a policy update— it is an urgent step toward protecting our island, our health, and
the future of Hawaii.
Plastic pollution is one of the most severe environmental threats of our time. More than 11 million
metric tons of plastic enter the ocean every year, and that number is projected to nearly triple by 2040
if we do nothing. Once plastic enters the environment, it never truly breaks down— it simply fragments
into smaller pieces, becoming toxic microplastics and nanoplastics that infiltrate every part of our
ecosystem.
Today, microplastics are found in our sand, our air, our rain, our food, and even inside human blood,
placentas, lungs, semen, and heart tissue. Studies show that an average person now consumes a
credit card's worth of plastic each week. These particles carry harmful chemicals that disrupt
hormones, contribute to inflammation, and threaten long-term human health.
Here in Hawai'i, we see the reality daily. Our beaches accumulate plastic from all across the Pacific. Our
turtles, seabirds, monk seals, and reef fish are consuming plastic at alarming rates. Many necropsies
show stomachs so full of plastic that animals starve with bellies full. These toxins then move up the food
chain and eventually reach us.
This crisis is notjust ecological— it is moral.
We know better, and we can do better.
Across Hawaii Island, many small businesses have already stepped up —switching to nontoxic, plant -
based, biodegradable foodware on their own, without waiting for new laws. They are showing that
responsibility is possible, affordable, and aligned with the values of our island community. They are
proving that change is not only necessary but fully achievable.
Today, we have access to far more sustainable, compostable, plant -fiber, seaweed -based, and
agricultural -waste -based materials than ever before. These innovative alternatives do not release
microplastics, do not leach toxic chemicals, and do not harm marine life. They support local agriculture,
circular economies, and new green jobs.
And the global movement is accelerating —from bamboo fiber to algae -based bioplasticsto agricultural
residue molded into durable single -use and reusable products. Hawaii can be a leader in this
innovation, not a follower shackled to an outdated petroleum -based system.
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Bill83 helps us shift toward that future. It reduces plastic waste at the source. It aligns with global
climate and b!odiversity goals. It protects our reefs, our food systems, our children, and the generations
to come.
Plastic will last hundreds to thousands of years.
But our decisions today will last even longer.
Please stand for science.
Stand with our small businesses doingthe right thing.
Stand with our families and keiki.
Stand with Hawaii's land, waters, and culturalvalues.
Support Bill83, Draft 2, and give our island the chance to lead with integrity, innovation, and aloha.
Mahalo nui loa foryour time and your care for our environment.
Thankyou!
Maki Morinoue
Holualoa