HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0107.220 2016-2018 IP ' KYD, Inc. dba k. yamada distributors
An independent leader in packaging and wholesale distribution
P.O. BOX 29669,Honolulu, Hawaii 96820 Phone:(808)836-3221 Fax: (808)833-8995
Hawaii Island County Council—September 7,2017
BILL 13draft3: "Amends Chapter 20, of the Hawaii County Code 1983 (2005 Edition,As Amended), By
Adding a New Article Relating to Reduction of Polystyrene Foam "Styrofoam" Food Containers and Food
Service Ware"
Position: Oppose =a..►. Co,..
Testimony By: Dexter Yamada,Joy Gold '
1
Chair Poindexter, and Members of the Hawaii County Council:
20.
Dexter Yamada is President of KYD Inc, doing business,as K Yamada Distributors.Joy Gold is a clsult,,,o
to Dexter Yamada and KYD, Inc a.locally founded, family run business in Kalihi since the 1940's7Flawa0
Finest Products, LLC (nee: Hawaii Foam Products, LLC), sister company to KYD, Inc, manufactures.fooi
grade, FDA approved polystyrene (PS)food containers. Polystyrene food containers as well as
compostable containers and food packaging materials are distributed throughout the State.
KYD continues to oppose PS foodware bans because it stands by its manufactured FDA-approved PS
foodware, and its employees. Appreciation is expressed for the thorough review of Billl3draft 3 by
Director Kucharski and Corporation Counsel, and continued discussion by the Council.
We offer the following for your consideration:
1. This ban on PS foodware is tied to the assumption that compostable food container products can
be diverted to the County's compost facility,which does not have a known on-line date. When will
the compost facility be on-line? Is the compost facility in two phases: 1) green waste 2)food-
waste, which would include used compostable containers? As discussed in previous council
meetings,the matter of successful industrial food-waste composting is not an easy operation.
Suggested: Implementation of the PS ban effective after one-year of successful operations of
food-waste composting facility.
2. Plastics and polystyrene in the ocean is a concern for all. Yet, discussion about ocean debris does not
differentiate polystyrene used for coolers, ice chests, foam packaging from food grade polystyrene for
foodware. These items are often exempted from ban bills. Marine scientists admit that more research
is needed to determine how much of marine debris is from PS food service containers.
Suggested: Stronger prevention and education for land-based litter management and consequences
for failing to dispose trash properly.
3. Bi1113 is a significant bill based on assumptions that the PS ban and mandated use of compostable
containers will reduce ocean debris and decrease landfill composition at little or no economic impact to
businesses throughout the Big Island.
Suggested: An analysis of Bill 13's outcomes following two years of implementation.
Thank you for the opportunity to testify. • �
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