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To: Hawaii County Council Policy Committee on Environmental and Natural Resources
Management
From: Paul Kosasa, President & CEO, ABC Stores
Date: November 25, 2025
RE: Bill 83 -Relating to Plastic and Polystyrene Waste
Position: Oppose (with recommendations)
Aloha Chair Villegas, Vice Chair Kagiwada, and members of the Committee,
My name is Paul Kosasa, and I am the President and CEO of ABC Stores. Our company
has proudly served Hawaii for decades, operating retail stores across the islands and
supporting local communities. We share the goal of protecting Hawai`i's environment
and reducing waste. However, Bill 83, as currently written, will not achieve these goals
effectively. Instead, it will create significant challenges for businesses and consumers
without delivering meaningful environmental benefits.
1. Lack of Composting Infrastructure
The bill requires businesses to switch to compostable containers, yet Hawaii County
does not have the facilities to process these materials. Without a functioning composting
system, these containers will end up in landfills, defeating the purpose of the legislation.
A successful transition must start with building the right infrastructure first.
2. Increased Costs for Businesses and Consumers
Compostable products are substantially more expensive than current alternatives:
• Compostable utensils can cost nearly double compared to standard plastic.
• Compostable containers are about 40% more expensive than commonly used
options.
For small businesses and family -owned restaurants, these costs are unsustainable and will
ultimately be passed on to customers, raising the price of everyday meals.
3. Performance Issues with Compostable Products
Feedback from businesses shows that compostable containers often fail in real -world
conditions:
• Hot or oily foods cause leaks and warping.
• Lids soften or melt with heat.
• Utensils break easily in liquids.
Local cuisine frequently includes hot and saucy dishes, making these shortcomings a
serious concern for food safety and customer satisfaction.
4. Inconsistent Rules Across Counties
Many businesses operate statewide. When packaging regulations differ between counties,
compliance becomes confusing and costly. Aligning rules across all islands would make
implementation more practical and fair.
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Honolulu, Hawaii 96813-5391 Fax: (808) 591-2039
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5. Recommendations for Improvement
We support the intent of Bill 83 but recommend the following changes:
1. Allow Type 5 (polypropylene) plastics — These are reusable, recyclable, and
suitable for hot foods.
2. Phase in changes gradually — Give time to develop composting facilities before
mandating compostable products.
3. Standardize rules across counties — Ensure consistency for businesses operating
statewide.
4. Conduct a cost impact study — Understand the financial burden before
implementation.
5. Require products that work for local food service conditions — Ensure
practicality and safety.
We all want to protect Hawai`i's environment, but Bill 83 in its current form will increase
costs, create operational challenges, and fail to reduce landfill waste. We urge the
Committee to revise the bill or delay implementation until the necessary infrastructure
and practical solutions are in place. This approach will allow us to achieve environmental
goals in a way that is fair and sustainable for local businesses and families.
Mahalo for considering our testimony.
Respectfully submitted,
Paul Kosasa
President & CEO
ABC Stores