HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0482.304 2024-2026COUNl Y CLERK
COUNTY OF HAWAI-'
December 3, 2025
?p?5 pFC -3 Ali ii: 15
Re: Hawaii County Council Bill83 (Draft 2)
Testimony in Opposition
Aloha, County Council Chair Inaba, Vice Chair Onishi and Council Members.
My name is Joy Dillon, I am a Hilo resident, and I am testifyingtoday as a private citizen in
opposition to Bill83 in its current form, relating to plastic and polystyrene waste.
I support the County's commitment to environmental stewardship and reducing waste. However,
there are very real concerns about this bill. Compostable foodware products can cost 2-4 times
more than traditional packaging. Small restaurants and food vendors, already operating on small
margins, cannot afford these foodware products. While I appreciate the local businesses that
already utilize compostable products, let them do so of their own choice and do not mandate it.
But getting to the crux of the matter, all compostable foodware has a label that states,
"Commercially Compostable Only." We do not have a commercial composting facility on this
island, to my knowledge. So therefore, all the compostable items are going directly into the landfill
anyway.
Another major flaw in the bill is that ASTM standards include 5 options: BPI, CMA, Din Certo, NSF
and TUV Austria OK which is used worldwide. However, only 2 of these certifications are noted in
the bill, BPI and CMA. Also, pre -packaged food is exempted leaving prepackaged food containers
free from restrictions while penalizing our local businesses.
Proposed timelines for implementation of this bill and fines will be a heavy burden on our local food
vendors. It is already hard enough to have a profitable business in Hawaii. Please don't make it
harder. From CNBC—"Nationwide, Hawaii is ranked 49th out of 50 states in business friendliness,
reflecting challenges in its economy and regulatory environment. The state received a D+ in this
category, indicating significant room for improvement:' We don't need more regulation for our local
businesses.
Council members, please take into consideration the many businesses that oppose this bill. Do
not regulate our County into the ground. Please reconsiderthis bill and make changes. Or even
better, make it a resolution, and not a law.
Thankyou for the opportunity to submit testimony.
Respectfully submitted,
P* Dlffan
Joy Dillon
808-640-2544
Comm.
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