HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0482.281 2024-2026Testimony for Hawaii County Council Meeting— November 19, 2025
Bill 83—Relating to Plastic and Polystyrene Waste
Position: Oppose
To:
Hawai`iCounty Council
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From:
Stephen Ueda
Company:
Suisan Company, Limited
Date:
November 19, 2025
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Dear Chair Inaba, Vice Chair Onishi, and Members of the Council,
My name is Stephen Ueda, and I am the President of Suisan Company, Limited, a local,
family -owned business serving Hawaii Island's food industry and small businesses for
over 100 years.
I support the County's environmental goals and commitment to reducing waste on our
island. My concern is not the goal of the bill, but whether Bill 83, as written, is right for
Hawaii Island.
Our survey of Hawaii Island foodservice businesses shows that many already use some
compostable or recyclable containers. However, most do not support Bill 83 because they
do not believe it will lead to real environmental improvements without the necessary
processing infrastructure. Many also noted that compostable containers cost more, which
is difficult for small businesses facing rising operating expenses.
1. We do not have a system to process compostable foodware.
Compostable containers only help the environment if they are collected and processed
correctly. Right now, Hawaii Island has no facility and no plan to handle these materials.
Without a processing system in place, compostable containers will still end up in the
landfill.
Even counties on the mainland with advanced composting systems have had mixed
results. Some can process compostable foodware, while many others reject it because of
contamination, chemical concerns, or incomplete breakdown. Before mandating a change
in packaging, we need to understand what is realistically possible on our island, given our
size, geography, and resources.
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2. A simple policy change could divert more waste than banning container materials.
Before changing packaging requirements, the County could take a simpler step with a
greater impact: Allow our existing green -waste composting facilities to accept pre -
consumer food scraps.
Pre -consumer food waste —such as produce trimmings and kitchen prep waste —is clean,
consistent, easy to separate, and composts very well when mixed with green waste.
Allowing this one material stream would divert far more tonnage away from the landfill
than switching from plastic to compostable containers. It can also be implemented more
quickly and without placing new burdens on local restaurants.
If the goal is to reduce landfill waste as soon as possible, this is the most practical starting
point.
3. We need a clear, data -driven study before creating a countywide mandate.
Before requiring an islandwide change in foodservice packaging, the County should
conduct a complete evaluation of ourwaste stream. We need answers to basic questions
such as:
• What materials are actually entering our landfill today, and in what quantities?
• Which diversion methods are feasible for Hawai'i island right now?
• What infrastructure would be required to process compostable packaging?
• Howdongwould it take and how much would it cost to build that system?
• Which strategies provide the greatest environmental benefit with the least
disruption to residents and small businesses?
Implementing a major mandate without this information risks raising costs, creating
confusion, and failingto reduce landfillwaste.
4.Our island needs solutions designed for our island.
Hawai'i Island has unique challenges and opportunities. Businesses want to support
sustainability, but they need confidence that the required changes will truly make a
difference and not just shift costs without improving outcomes.
A thoughtful, collaborative approach will produce better long-term results for both the
environment and our local economy.
Conclusion
For these reasons, I respectfully ask the Council to pause Bill83 and complete a thorough
evaluation of Hawaii Island's waste -diversion options before requiring a countywide shift
in foodservice packaging. With accurate information and a clear plan, we can create a
system that truly reduces landfill waste, supports local businesses, and protects our island
for future generations.
Mahalo for your time and consideration.
Stephen Ueda
President & CEO
Suisan Company, Limited