HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0664.025 2014-2016 PlaPAC
C-(614
Murashige, Laura
From: Kahi Pacarro <kahi@sustainablecoastlineshawaii.org>
Sent: Thursday, February 11, 2016 8:41 PM
To: Council Testimony; Poindexter,Valerie;Chung,Aaron;Onishi, Dennis;Ilagan, Greggor;
Paleka, Daniel; David, Maile; Kanuha, Dru; Eoff, Karen;Wille, Margaret
Subject: Bill 140 -Testimony
Aloha County of Hawai'i Council Members,
I am writing in full support of Bill 140 after researching the detrimental effects EPS - Expanded
Polystyrene (styrofoam)has on the health of our communities and on our fragile environment. Many
people think of the dirty beaches but beyond the visible detriments are the real reasons we should be
worried about the negligent over use of styrofoam. Health reasons should be the primary reason for
banning styrofoam. Styrofoam is made out of petroleum, when oily foods or heat interact with
styrofoam it leaches styrene into our food. Styrene is a known carcinogen (cancer causing).
If we do not ban styrofoam we are complicity contributing to the degradation of public
health.
With frustration at the lack of leadership on O'ahu regarding an EPS ban, Bill 140 allows Hawai'i
County to lead by example once again like they have in the past with many other environmental bans.
I urge you to show the strength and resiliency of your powers and pass Bill 140 for the health of
County of Hawai'i constituents. We hope that your leadership to support a ban can be used an
example and inspire our leaders on O'ahu to follow suit.
There are many alternatives to styrofoam that are made from renewable resources, will compost, and
do not leach carcinogenic compounds in to our food. The cost differential for these alternatives are
not cost-prohibitive and most consumers are willing to pay the 10 cent additional cost. If more people
understood the issues they too would demand an alternative.
Thank you for your time.
Here are some great facts and powerful statistics relevant to support for Bill 140.
http://isites.harvard.edu/fs/docs/icb.topicq 678 s8.files/PolystyreneFactSheets.p df
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Aloha, C7, C)
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Kahi Pacarro i J
Executive Director Ol
kahipsustainablecoastlineshawaii.org Come N,,.i_
Ref. To:
808.221.7678 Ref. Date FEB 1 g 2l16
www.sustainablecoastlineshawaii.org
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