HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0107.005 2016-2018 DRGoodaleTestimonyNoStyro... 1 /1 w7° X
COUNTY CLERK
Testimony in FAVOR OF Bill 13 COUNTY OF HAWAII
C IVED 4.11L)
Donna Rodes Goodale Time /.'3' By
73-4503 Kohanaiki Rd. Date /%p3.2/, .O f 7
Kailua-Kona,HI 96740
808-325-1472
donna(c)goodale.org
February 20,2017:
Dear County Council:
( My name is Donna R.Goodale.Am testifying 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.Kenichi's packed my soup in a paper bowl with a recyclable plastic lid.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 tight 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
Comm. No. I bl.S
Ref. To: ?\ i c•
Ref. Date F 21 25117/