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Hawaii County Council advances single‑use plastics ban after hours of testimony
Summary
After extensive public testimony—largely from students, environmental groups and local businesses—the Hawaii County Council passed Bill 83 (draft 2) on first reading Nov. 19, 2025, moving the single‑use foodware ban to a second reading; vote was 8‑1.
The Hawaii County Council on Nov. 19 passed Bill 83 (draft 2), a proposal to phase out single‑use plastic and polystyrene foodware, on first reading after a day of packed public testimony and a lengthy council discussion. The motion to pass the bill on first reading carried on roll call, 8 in favor and 1 opposed (Vice Chair Onishi).
The hearing drew dozens of speakers across Kona, Pahoa, Hilo and Zoom. Youth testifiers described seeing plastic pollution on beaches and reefs; community groups and Recycle Hawaii urged passage “as is.” Russell Ruderman, owner of Island Naturals, said the cost impact is manageable: “We never had to…
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