HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0064.141 2010-2012Gary M. H ana gam i
Executive Director
Hawaii Food Industry Association
1 050 Bishop Street. Box 235
lionolulu, 96813
July 6, 2011
Mr. Dennis "Fresh" Onishi
Council Member
Hawaii County Council
.District 4. south Hilo
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo. 111 96720
1l)ear Councilman Onishi:
On behalf of the Hawaii Food Industry Association. and aaBig island, retail members. we
want to voice our oppositioato the reported motion to disiniss the public hearings on hill
no. 17. banning plastic bags On the Big Island.
There are a number of good reasons why a fair hearing and the public debate of this bill
shouid continue, regardless of the rationale; it is the right thine lo do, short of
resurrecting the proposal on.an open ballot.for full public debate. !fall the facts on a
total ban of plastic bags are revealed. the public would most certainly question the lack of
options presented.
Additionally, if the ultimate benefit ism reduce the environmental impact that wayward
plastic bags cause. the public should know that the information the) are being given is
not as clear cut as they may haVe- been-led to especially if paper bags becomes
the option of choice. lf the desired option is to reducethe use .of single use bats. then a
ban on one option is not the answer, and there..are documented cases that have been
shared \vial the council m-mbers.undermining this ill-conceived notion.
We encourage the Big siand Council members to avail themselves to the open debate,
and listen closely 10 its constituents; perhaps avoiding some of the on-going issues that
Kauai and Matti counties Continue to face.
Sincerely.
050 Bishop Street
BOX '35
rn
Honolulu, HI 96813
Comm. No. VI-. 1
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