Committee backs expanded PFAS ban in foodware, drops compostable exemption

The House Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection advanced House Bill 644, which expands prohibitions on PFAS in single‑use foodware, and adopted several amendments proposed by the chair. Chair Loewen said the committee would add refillable and reusable foodware to the list of items prohibited from containing PFAS and delete the compostable‑plastic exemption. He also said the committee would clarify that counties may adopt more stringent measures and adjust the effective date.

Testimony at the hearing came from multiple agencies and stakeholders. Charlie Taylor of the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Aquatic Resources said DLNR "stands on our comments" and supports efforts to reduce plastics entering the marine environment. Ted Bolen of the Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition urged the committee not to interfere with county ordinances and suggested a delayed effective date if needed to allow businesses to run through inventory. On Zoom, Cara Stepanek of Upstream urged removing compostable exemptions, arguing compostable plastics "do more harm than good" in Hawaii without broad composting infrastructure. The committee adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass HB 644 with amendments at decision making.