HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0107.171 2016-2018 CUUN{ CLERK
From: Karen Abe COUNTY OF HAWAII
To: Council Testimony •
Subject: Speaker Testimony--Bill 71(Bill 13) � SEP r
Date: Monday,September 04,2017 9:49:37 PM
Name:Karen Abe
Phone: 8083439312
Email: kaa1801@iolani.org
SUPPORT
Representing: Self
Speak at hearing:no
Written Testimony:
Aloha,
My name is Karen Abe and I am a student at'Iolani School in Honolulu,
Hawaii .7 am writing in full support of Bill(71/13)to reduce
polystyrene foam on Hawaii.Thank you for considering this important
bill.
As an 17-year-old teenager who takes part in the plastic free
initivative at my own school and an enviromental activist,I strongly
believe that this Bill is a crucial and significant method in
protecting the Hawaii's aina and improving the life of all animals and
residents. Styrofoam is a material that all children and adults see
everyday,not only because it is utilized in serving food but because
it is found as litter on the streets. The 90%air based structure
makes it lightweight and easy for consumers as well as easy,to be
blown out of the trash cans and into the oceans. The foam,which is
never recycled in Hawaii,ends up in the oceans take hundreds and
thousands of years to decompose on its own,and often times are
consumed by animals because they are mistaken for food. These facts
are more than devestating because of the well known beaches,parks and
rare sea life Hawaii beholds is at danger of destruction. In fact,I,
just today,was awed at the amount of trash that was piling up at the
bottom of the fences near the Kakaako park. My friends and I could
not help but to stop walking and pick up the never ending trail of old
greasy plastic containers and brown-tinted styrofoam that layed in the
grass. Although,my friend and I had tried our best to pick all the
debris off the grass there were more beyond the fence and scattered
across the field.
With negatives of styrofoam being spoken about,I believe it would be
great to observe the positives of altering the state into a foam-free
community. Firstly,with the growing number of plastic free
activists, it would be beneficial for restaurants and businesses to
change to plastic-free alternatives since it would be an easy way to
spread the word and attracts enviromentalist to support their
business. For instance,With the hundreds of foam free restaurants in
Hawaii the Ocean Friendly Restaurants Hawaii program has certified
over 140 restaurants,all of which are voluntarily foam free. These
restaurants often attract indivuals like my friends and I,and are
more likely to be chosen when debating between another resturant who Di
I
CommNo.
11
Ref. To:
1?ef. Elate SEP 0 7 2017
serves with plastic containers. In terms of financial status,there COU ' R.
is clear evidence that even small business are not financially burden COUNTY OF HAWAII
from going foam-free. From paper to biodegradable plastics the
alternatives are endless,and interestingly,these alternatives have a 70 ?
better"aesthetic appeal" compared to white and bulky foam containers.
Especiallly to teens and tourist who are indulged in taking photos of
the island deli,the physical appeal takes a great part in wether or
not a consumer wants to purchase a product. Thus,the switch to
foam-free alternatives will not only better the community but would
aid businesses to flourish.
Therefore, as a representative of the people,I urge you to make a
decision that chooses the long-term benefit of Hawaii's people and
environment rather than the short-term conveniences of business.
It is our responsibility to create a better environment for future
generations,and it starts today with important bills like this.
Thank you for your consideration of my testimony and of this important
issue.
Mahalo,
Karen Abe
Iolani School,class of 2018.
Accepted--Terms and Agreements.
"All public hearing transcripts and testimony are public documents.
Therefore,any testimony that is submitted verbally or in writing,
electronically or in person,for use in the hearing process is public
information.Ah