HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0107.168 2016-2018 COUNTY CLERK
From: Free Wonder COUNTY OF AWM I
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Greetings Council, 2017 SEP —6 AN II_ ` 29
Date: Tuesday,September 05,2017 5:20:27 PM
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It has long been recognized by my colleagues, fellow observers, and myself that foam
packaged waste products need to be transformed into materials that are beneficial to the
environment if possible, but must not be purely detrimental to the environment which does
include humans health during the breakdown process of Styrofoam. There needs to be action
by political actors at the bottom levels to put pressure on the manufacturing of petroleum
based products. We need to be able to say NO !! There is no profit motive or inherent value
for anyone who handles these Styrofoam containers, but there can be an assertive ethical
propositions by making all products a consumer touches to either be biodegradable or
recyclable. I find myself disgusted with being left choices that are unpreventable like
Styrofoam in my hands with no where to put it but in the trash. This multi-cultural presence in
Hawaii needs more representation around being environmentally friendly, and the message to
the world will be met with Aloha. Hawaii can foster a place where families make profound
memories, but the trash that comes along for the journey can stay home in Corporate America.
It's time to recognize the difference in Hawaii and Corporate America. We have to stop being
blind about money, and look to be mindful of the true resources that are the most important
not only instrumentally but inherently. There have been solutions and great ideas put into
practice with corn based products, and I see great potential in this kind of transition of
merging agricultural and industrial sectors. There can be many alternatives to Styrofoam, and
for that matter all petroleum based products. The sun beating down on your trash should not
ever be detrimental to your health. Hawaii can breakdown materials fast in the tropical sun and
wind. To think we are all at the beach having a great time while never knowing we are
breathing in hazardous materials from the trash container. There has never been a better time
to institute the right amount of changes in a bill that bans polystyrene(Styrofoam) from
importation and production in the Hawaiian Islands. The profit margins can shrink those poor
billionaires companies, because Hawaii needs to HEAL !! Not even just Hawaii, but this issue
is amongst many issues affecting climate change. Give Hawaii a chance to grow into a much
more ecologically friendly place, and you will see long term economic impacts for the better
as well.
Arete,
Nicholas J. Ackerman
UH- Hilo Alumni: Environmental Science(B.S.) Philosophy(B.A.)
Marine Corps Infantry Combat Veteran 2005-2009
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Ref. Date SEP 0 7 2011