Honolulu is working on a new bill to reduce single-use plastics. City Council members Matt Weyer and Tommy Waters introduced the bill as part of the city's sustainability efforts. Weyer said, “I think the goal right is to put us on a more sustainable path, knowing that cans, aluminum cans, other materials as well are recovered more easily, they’re recycled more easily and cheaper. And of course, we want to get plastics out of our environment, out of our bodies.” This is part of Hawaii's focus on better waste management and protecting the environment, according to KHON2.
Last week, students from Holomua Elementary School spoke to the City Council about single-use plastic bottles. They said, “By drinking from single-use water bottles we’re contributing to the sickness of our oceans. We propose no more selling of single-use plastic water bottles in our government vending machines, we have to start somewhere and we think the best place to start is with the people who can change our laws.” This message supports a new bill that will be discussed in December, following the 2019 Bill 40, which banned single-use plastics on Oahu, as reported by Surfrider Oahu and KHON2.
The bill may be adjusted as talks with the community continue to find a balance between goals and practicality. Matt Weyer told KHON2, “We’re not trying to disrupt any current contracts. So I think as we have conversations with the community, we may adjust the bill, put in some timelines, give everyone an opportunity to adjust.” Details on how the bill would apply to places like the Blaisdell and the Shell are still being worked out.
