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Hawaii County Council delays plastics ban amid business, infrastructure concerns
Summary
After hours of testimony from business groups, environmental advocates and residents, the Hawaii County Council moved Bill 83 (draft 2), a measure to curb disposable plastic and polystyrene foodware, from first reading but postponed further action to Nov. 19 to allow more consultation on implementation, enforcement and small‑business concerns.
The Hawaii County Council advanced Bill 83, a measure aimed at reducing disposable plastic and polystyrene foodware, but postponed further action to Nov. 19 after extended public testimony and internal debate.
Supporters including Tanya Yamanaka Anasazi of the Chamber of Sustainable Commerce and Sierra Club Hawaii Island Group urged the council to pass the measure, saying it would curb toxic pollution and spur local innovation. "Plastic is a byproduct of fossil fuels. It's toxic," Anasazi told the council during the public comment period. Sarah Ward, director of operations for a local supplier of compostable packaging, said broader policy support is needed to create a market for commercial composting and to…
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