HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0664.177 2014-2016 L
513
Donna Rodes Goodale -,' re\
73-4503 Kohanaiki Rd.
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 COUNTY CLERK
808-325-1472 COUNTY OF HAWAII
donna(a,,Qoodale.or¢ RECEIVED
Time 3:�(5/2,911._
By
Ma 3, 2016 Date -' /tom 111/"C(1Y
Dear County Council:
My name is Donna R. Goodale. I am here to testify in favor of banning polystyrene packaging in
the County of Hawaii. Polystyrene foam is mostly inert and therefore is very resistant to decomposition.
It is not generally recyclable. It pollutes the environment and is eaten by marine organisms to their
detriment.A 2009 study found that polystyrene degraded in the ocean and left behind toxic chemicals
such as bisphenol A(BPA) and styrene trimer. BPA interferes with animal reproductive systems and
styrene trimer is a suspected carcinogen. We shouldn't be putting them in our landfills or pollute sour
oceans with them.
Polystyrene,better known as Styrofoam can be replaced with much more enviro-friendly
material. I brought home a container for California Pizza Kitchen on Oahu which was made of
decomposable,compressed paper. Sam Choy's sent me home with a hard plastic container that was
recyclable. I spoke with the owner of Bun's in the Sun about switching from.Styrofoam to paper. He
said it cost a bit more but he did the right thing for the environment and switched to paper. Polystyrene
is harmful to the environment and there are other alternatives.
I am very concerned and active in the protection of the environment individually and as an
educator. I have lived on the Big Island of Hawai'i since 1984. I am both a marine biologist,with a
Masters degree in zoology, and a science teacher. I have taught high school in both Hilo and Kona,
worked as a biologist in commercial aquaculture at NELHA. I am currently a lecturer in Biology at
Palamanui Community College. I am also a member of the West Hawai'i Fisheries Council.
I urge you to adopt a ban on polystyrene packaging in the County of Hawaii.
Sincerely,
Donna Rodes Goodale, MS Zoology l 11
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