Hawaii County committee delays decision on Bill 83 — authors seek clearer reuse, composting rules

The Hawaii County Council policy committee on environmental and natural resource management postponed consideration of Bill 83, an ordinance that would restrict single-use plastic and polystyrene foodware in the county, to its Oct. 7 committee meeting.

The measure, introduced by Councilmembers Rebecca Villegas and Michael Galimba (co-sponsors noted in testimony), seeks to amend Chapter 20 of the Hawaii County Code relating to plastic and polystyrene waste and align county policy with the county’s zero-waste plan and the state’s Aloha+ Challenge. Committee Chair Rebecca Villegas opened the item for public testimony and said she would pass the chair to another member when debate began.

Why it matters: Testimony and council questions focused on how the ordinance would work in practice — particularly whether the county has the commercial composting capacity to accept compostable alternatives, how the bill defines “reusable” foodware, and whether ordinary retail packaging or county-funded events would be covered. Supporters said the bill is needed to reduce plastic pollution; some vendors and waste experts urged clearer language and infrastructure planning.

Public testimony and key points

Several residents and nonprofit representatives urged passage but asked for stronger reuse provisions. Hannah Rose, a lifelong Big Island resident, said, “I support Bill 83, which bans the use of single use plastics in Hawaii County,” and framed the proposal as protection for island ecosystems and future…