HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0482.327 2024-2026December 2, 2025
To:
Hawai'i County Council
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From:
Keith Mallini
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Kuleana Rum Works / Kuleana Rum Shack
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RE:
Bill 83 - Relating to Plastic and Polystyrene Waste
Position:
Oppose (with recommendations)
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Dear Chair
Inaba, Vice Chair Onishi, and Members of the Committee:
My name is Keith Mallini, and I am the Vice President of Hospitality for Kuleana Rum Works.
We not only produce world class rum with sugarcane we grow here in Kohala, but also
showcase our rum in a restaurant and tasting room in Waikoloa. I believe that Bill 83 would
create problems for local businesses and raise food prices -without helping the
environment in a tangible way. I am writing as a restaurant operator and resident of
Hawai'i to urge an important amendment to Bill 83 (Draft 2): expandingthe list of
recognized compostability certifiers beyond BPI and CMA.
The intent of Bill 83 to reduce plastic and polystyrene waste and align with our County's
zero -waste vision is commendable. However, limiting certification exclusively to.BPI or
CMA creates unnecessary barriers for businesses and stifles innovation. Other globally
respected organizations, such as NSF International and TOV Austria, also certify products
to ASTM D6400 and D6868 standards. These standards meet or exceed the requirements of
BPI and CMA and are the true measure of compostability, not the brand name of the
certifier.
any accredited
third -party
certifier, ensuring environmental.
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Please consider amending Bill 83 to allow certification from any qualified entity, including
NSF, TOV, or others that meet ASTM standards. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Mahe to for your time and consideration.
Keith Mallini
Vice President I Hospitality
Kuleana Rum Works 1
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