HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0482.316 2024-2026From: Kawehi Inaba
Sent: Monday, November 24, 2025 8:44 PM
To: Council Testimony
Cc: Inaba, Holeka; Villegas, Rebecca; Galimba, Michelle M.; Kanealii-Kleinfelder, Matt;
Kierkiewicz, Ashley; Onishi, Dennis; Kagiwada, Jennifer; Kimball, Heather; fVgstacg
v,
James
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Subject: Testimony in Strong Support of Bill 83 — Plastic & Polystyrene Foodware'-San
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Aloha Members of the Hawai'i County Council,
I am writing in strong support of Bill 83, which expands Hawai'i County's restrictions on sine -uses
plastic and polystyrene foodware.
For many years, our community has raised serious concerns about the rapid filling of our landfills and
the lack of a long-term, islandwide solution for managing compostable materials. Even though the
County does not yet have a complete composting system, waiting until all conditions are ideal — and
taking no action in the meantime— is simply not responsible. We know that single -use plastics and
polystyrene are among the most persistent forms of waste. They do not break down, they take up
permanent space, and they contribute to the strain on a landfill that our community has been worried
about for decades.
Bill 83 offers one of the most direct and effective ways to reduce the volume of waste entering
our landfill. By transitioning from single -use plastics to reusable or certified compostable alternatives,
we immediately lessen the amount of permanent waste going into the ground each day. Even without
full composting infrastructure, compostable materials degrade significantly faster than plastics. This
measure helps extend the life of our landfill while longer -term waste solutions continue to be
developed.
The bill also reflects a balanced approach. The education and outreach components provide
businesses with clear guidance and support as they transition to compliant alternatives. The hardship
exemptions offer temporary relief for small businesses facing genuine challenges, such as supply
chain issues or unexpected financial strain. This thoughtful balance honors both environmental
responsibility and the realities faced by our local business community.
By moving this bill forward, the Council demonstrates responsible leadership — addressing long-
standing concerns, reducing long-term waste impacts, and taking a proactive step before our landfill
reaches critical capacity.
Mahalo for your time and consideration. I respectfully urge you to pass Bill 83.
Mahalo,
I! l r _' r �
:amm.
ReE. To:
Ref. Date - 3