HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0482.292 2024-2026From: Alice
Ri
o c-)
Sent: Wednesday, December 3, 2025 12:16 AM
C=
g o
To: Council Testimony
c+s
Subject: Support Bill 83
w
o�
S�
Aloha Chair and members of our County Council,
t'..
t
I am writing to strongly urge you to support Bill 83, Draft 2, and its amendments.
This is a huge step
forward for not only Hawai'i Island, but an opportunity to lead and set an incredible example for
the
rest of the world.
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.
HawaiTs marine life —turtles, seabirds, and fish —are ingesting plastics at alarming rates, and these
toxins are entering our food chain.
For a decade I traveled around the world cleaning beaches across over 50 different countries. Above
and below the surface- the absolute devastation. Destroyed and depleted ecosystems, animals
unable to survive, this impact on the local communities, being choked out by specifically single use
plastics. Island communities with poor waste infrastructures being hit the worst. Moving to Hawaii and
experiencing the plastic pollution here (working with Hawaii Wildlife Fund cleaning literal TONS of
marine debris off the coast on the reg, 370+tons all together on this island), and the reality of its
extremely weak waste system and infrastructure, overall showed me a raw truth, that it doesn't matter
who you are, where you are from, plastic pollution negatively impacts ALL forms of LIFE and needs to
be taken seriously. This bill is a VITAL step in the right direction.
And that starts with the products we support and allow to be disbursed on this island.
Our landfills are almost full. And the plan is to just build another? How much longer till that one is
filled? Then what? Another? How long will this continue until this entire island is a massive
landfill? What about the waste coming over from different islands, too? What about the future
generations? What legacy and environment do you want to leave behind for your grandchildren?
Due to societal normalization and absolute overuse of the material, most people are completely
unaware of their relationship with plastics, especially businesses, specifically with single use
plastics. Which is exactly why this bill means so much! You have the power to guide our local
businesses in the right direction, to lead with integrity! Please do not shy away from this opportunity.
Turn towards compostable options with the future health and wellbeing of this island being at the
forefront! When I read the opposed testimonies, the disconnect is clear. Money is the driver for most
people against the elimination of plastics, with little to no consideration for the impact of their choices
on the greater good. This is a shame. And I invite anyone who wants to stock their businesses with
single use plastics to come on a beach clean up with us along the south coast- and then tell me how
you feel about that choice afterwards.
I work with hundreds of kids every year within the school systems, throughout markets, along the
coast, at resorts, on the education of plastic pollution. Every. Single. Child. I have ever worked with
does not want to see the ocean filled with plastics! They do not want to use the material in general.
t Comm. `
Ref.To:
Ref. Date °'
They are conscious and aware. They are advocates of the'aina ! They want to reduce their plastic
footprints. Protect the planet. Give a voice to the sea! They are teaching older generations to care
for mother nature! So why would this bill even be up for discussion if the children of this land are
opposed to the continuation of plastic pollution and its impacts?! Their sweet pure hearts have not yet
been subjected to greed. And it shows.
I will always bring it back'to the keiki- What are we leaving behind for them? If our youth is capable of
demanding and creating change, and even creating the systems (Example: Ka'u High School
students with Malama'aina Compostables who have created a working Zero waste diversion with
compostables and educating other schools to do the same, you have heard their testimonies) What is
stopping the older generations from doing the same? Please do not deny these youth their future.
Please do not make them fight harder than they already are to be heard and seen. They are brave.
Bold. Compassionate. Caring. Devoted. Wise. We must listen. We can no longer choose to hold
ourselves back with the current outdated systems. Set an example for the world and these children
and show them what it means to care for the'aina , that which serves! And be a leader in this global
shift.
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!
Alice Birnbaum
Na'alehu 96772