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e 4, - KYD, Inc. dba k. yamada distributors N`EMCi
<br /> An iig and wholesale distribution
<br /> P.O. BOX
<br /> independent 29669, Honolululeader, Hawaiinapackag96820nPhone: (808)836-3221 Fax: (808)833-8995 G^�07
<br /> COUNTY CLERIC
<br /> Hawaii Island COUNTY OF HAWAI'I
<br /> RECEIVED
<br /> Committee on Environmental Management Time /�obpM By
<br /> Date r-73, 2/, 20/7
<br /> February 21, 2017
<br /> BILL 13: "Amends Chapter 20, of the Hawaii County Code 1983 (2005 Edition, As Amended), By Adding
<br /> a New Article Relating to Reduction of Polystyrene Foam "Styrofoam" Food Containers and Food
<br /> Service Ware"
<br /> Position: Oppose,Amendment Offered
<br /> Testimony By: Dexter Yamada,Joy Gold
<br /> Chair O'Hara, and Members of the Environmental Management Committee:
<br /> Dexter Yamada is President of KYD Inc, doing business as K Yamada Distributors. Joy Gold is a consultant to
<br /> Dexter Yamada and KYD, Inc a locally founded, family run business in Kalihi since the 1940's as a florist and a
<br /> supplier of florist supplies. In 1958 KYD evolved into the packaging company of today and later expanded into
<br /> a distributor of many other fine products.
<br /> KYD, Inc and its sister company, Hawaii Foam Products, LLC produces and distributes many of the packaging
<br /> materials all of us see and use every day, such as food-grade expanded polystyrene (PS foam)food containers.
<br /> We supply these containers to food processers,food establishments, supermarkets, hotels, hospitals, and
<br /> other major institutions. We stand by the safety,functionality and affordability of PS Foam and our
<br /> employees.
<br /> Correction of Misinformation:
<br /> Bill 13 is similar to Bill 140draft2 that was heard by the past Environmental Management Committee and
<br /> Full Council, in which Dr. George Cruzan, noted toxicologist, addressed the safety of polystyrene products
<br /> and distinction from styrene, which is a natural element found in foods such as cinnamon, strawberries, etc.
<br /> Additional facts are provided in the attachment.
<br /> Bill 13 discriminates against a FDA approved product that has superior-insulating qualities for hot and cold CT `r
<br /> foods and is economical to food operators, county programs such as Meals on Wheels and senior meal
<br /> programs, and community events like the Merrie Monarch Festival. •
<br /> Ocean and Land Debris d
<br /> It discriminates against a product that represents less than 1% of the total municipal solid waste (EPS MSW
<br /> Characterization Report, 2013). U °G
<br /> A ban that singles out food-grade EPS food containers does little to reduce litter or ocean debris harmful to
<br /> marine life and the environment. A local, Big Island marine biologist said that 26-89% of the island's ocean
<br /> debris is land-based sources: straws, wrappers, insulation, shipping containers, hot coffee cups, meat trays,
<br /> saimin containers. EPS foam containers was about 1%of the debris.
<br /> Similarly, the International Coastal Cleanup identifies the most common debris are plastic cigarette butts, food
<br /> wrappers, plastic beverage bottles, plastic bottle caps, and plastic straws and drink stirrers. Plastics can enter
<br /> into the ocean through ineffective or improper waste management, intentional or accidental dumping and
<br /> QyD
<br /> TOPIC Hawaiian Plantations® 01:011gCIPES
<br /> WILL CALL,G&A,AND WAREHOUSE OFFICES:2949 Koapaka Street,Honolulu,Hawaii 96819-1923 Phone:(808)836-3221 Fax:(808)833-8995
<br />
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