HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0664.044 2014-2016 COUNTY CLERK
COUNTY OF HAWAII
RECEIVED
Time t.O5 pl. By
Date a- 6-to
February 16, 2016
Dear County Council Members,
I am writing to ask you to amend chapter 20 of the Hawai'i County code 1983 (2005
edition, as amended),by adding a new article relating to the reduction of
polystyrene foam "styrofoam"food containers and food service ware.
Styrofoam is harmful to the environment on many levels. First,styrofoam is made
from petroleum, a non-renewable resource that is a significant pollutant. We are
rapidly depleting petroleum resources on a global level. Second,styrofoam is a
significant contributor to litter and marine debris. In Hawai'i,we are especially
vulnerable to marine debris and its impact on marine wildlife. Certain beaches in
Hawai'i,such as Kamilo Beach,are susceptible to marine debris washing upon shore
due to current patterns. Marine debris is harmful to aquatic animals that ingest
items such as plastic and styrofoam that are toxic. Third, Styrofoam is not
biodegradable and will likely still be sitting in our landfills 500 years from now. On
an island with finite land we should not be frivolously dumping styrofoam products
into our landfills. We have a trash problem and reducing styrofoam products is an
intelligent way to minimize unnecessary waste.
It is time that we begin utilizing products with creativity and sustainability in mind.
Certified compostable and reusable options already exist for food containers and
service ware. Many successful restaurants on the island already utilize more
environmentally friendly products to the delight of their customers. Please amend
chapter 20 to ban styrofoam and join the growing number of communities
(including New York City) to ban this harmful product.
Thank you for your time,
Leona Kassel
COMM No. (eti`1 tiq
Ref. To: view-
Ref. Date FEB 16 '2016