HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0064.143 2010-2012HEARING Thursday, July 07, 2011
9:00 am
Please note these comments:
RETAIL MERCHANTS OF HAWAII
1240 Ala Moana Boulevard, Suite 215, Honolulu, HI 96814
ph: 808-592-4200 / fax: 808 - 592 -4202
21111 JUL 7 RI 8 15
CC`
Council Member Dominic Yagong, Chairperson and Prfficeri=
Council Member K. Angel Pilago, Vice Chair
County Council
County of Hawaii, Hilo, HI
chan
tinrm
tail 1
nee 19
RE: COMM. 64.94: REQUEST TO RESCIND THE MOTION FOR PUBLIC HEARINGS RE Bill 17, Draft 2
Relating to Plastic Bag Reduction.
Chair Yagong, Vice Chair Pilago and Council Members:
Retail Merchants of Hawaii (RMH) is a not - for - profit trade organization representing 200 members and over 2,000
storefronts, and is committed to support the retail industry and business in general in Hawaii.
RMH strongly opposes this request to rescind the motion for public hearings on Bill 17, Draft 2. At issue is a
citizen's basic right to participate in public dialogue which will affect government actions that will impact the
quality of life.
We understand that the first public hearing, held in Kea'au on June 7 was fairly well- attended; the majority of the
people opposed to the ban. The remaining hearings are scheduled for Pahoa, Na'alehu, Hilo, Lapahoehoe, and Kona.
Retailers are in the business of providing goods to consumers and must provide a vehicle for customers to transport
their purchases out of the store. Businesses in both Maui County and Kauai County which have banned plastic
checkout bags, have switched to paper bags, which have higher cost and serious negative environmental implications.
From the Maui News, 10/14/10:
"Pukalani Superette general manager Jerry Masaki said paper bags, which must be kept on hand in a variety
of sizes, are expected to cost his business an extra $1,000 a month."
From the Honolulu Star - Advertiser, 1/16/11:
"'Paper bags are more expensive. It's three or four times more (than plastic),' said Rod Sueoka, manager of
Sueoka Store on Kauai."
Additionally, there are serious environmental impacts of air and water pollution and green house gas emissions with
the proposed alternatives. From the ULS Report (http:/ /use - less - stuff.com /research.htm ): paper bags generate 70%
more air and 50 times more water pollutants than plastic bags.
We respectfully request that you reject Comm. 64 -94. Not only will you allow your residents the opportunity to
comment on the issue of a plastic bag ban, you will also provide yourselves with the privilege of listening to your
constituents. Thank you for your consideration and for the opportunity to comment on this measure.
Carol Pregill, President
Comm. No. 64. 11 1 -
Ref. To: '' "•°Mm>i COU
Ref. Dote JUl 7 Z O 11