HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0064.098 2010-2012 02- 15 -'11 10:49 FPOM- SUISAN COMPANY LTD. 808- 935 -2737 T -612 P001%001 F -573
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Suisan Company, Limited lyUr M G -
1965 Kamehameha Avenue I F t L `� ; 001 1 '. , ` T
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
February 16, 2011
Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Good Morning Chair Dominic Yagong and members of the Hawaii County Council,
My name is Steve Ueda, and 1 am an employee of Suisan Co., Ltd., a wholesale distributor to about
700 businesses an Hawaii Island. Our product lines include food and food - related products.
We distribute both plastic and paper bags that are used at checkout to small independent retailers,
mom & pop stores, convenience stores, and foodservice accounts. The accounts who purchase plastic
bags from us choose plastic bags because they are economical, functional, and space efficient. In the
event that plastic checkout bags are restricted, we will continue to service our accounts with allowed
alternatives.
We oppose Hawaii County Bill 17 as currently written for the following reasons:
1. The bill applies to all businesses, including foodservice businesses such as restaurants. delis,
and lunch trucks. Plastic bags are very useful for foodservice businesses to package take -out
foods. Foods may be served in a hot or cold liquid form, such as soups or stews. Foods may
be greasy, such as fried chicken. Foods may generate steam or condensation. Plastic bags are
very moisture and grease resistant, and will contain these foods without tearing or spilling,
if a customer needs a bag for their take -out foods, paper bags will be a common substitute.
I.per bags are a costlier alternative, and these costs will likely be passed on to the customer.
per bags will also eventually tear when exposed to moisture and grease leaving spills and
ease stains on our floors, car seats and clothing. Unless cleaned properly. food sills and
::ins rrray harbor dangerous bacteria creating a new health risk.
2 l le bill wiii ban the options of compostable plastic bags. Althoug @ compostable plastic bags
are not an economical option today, we expect that the packaging industry will respond to
the changing market and develop innovative, economical, and environmentally sensitive
compostable plastic bags in the future. However, if compostable plastic bags are banned today,
there wiii be no market demand for the packaging industry to ret ec: i_
We res : t lly rest that the County of Hawaii allow businesses an - •ume;rs to continue
to chops._, th4 be c:3 packaging for their needs. =;i11 17 will create new pro and will inhibit the
introduction of real solutions.
Sincere ,
'...:;:,. .r
Steve L. d
Comm. No. to T• 98
Ref. To: 11 t I4h a' l
Ref. Dote FEts 1 8 2011