Hawaii wants to ban the sale of single-use plastics

HONOLULU (KHON2) – Several cities across the United States have already banned the sale of plastic water bottles in certain establishments. Now the Honolulu City Council wants to do the same.

Honolulu City Council member Matt Weyer and Chairman Tommy Waters introduced a bill that would ban the sale and purchase of single-use plastics, including water bottles, at city facilities and events.

“I think the right goal is to move towards a more sustainable path, knowing that cans, aluminum cans and also other materials can be more easily recovered, recycled more easily and more cost-effectively. And of course we want to remove plastic from our environment, from our bodies,” said Weyer.

According to the measure, the recycling rate for plastic bottles in Hawaii is 37% compared to 55% for aluminum.

“In terms of impact on our coasts, we are definitely seeing microplastics showing up in our food research and showing that they are present in our bodies. You know, jurisdictions at all levels have done that,” he added.

The bill states that plastic containers of one liter or less are a major contributor to litter, marine pollution and damage to wildlife.

Last week, Holomua Elementary School students spoke to the city council about ocean acidification and spoke out against single-use plastic bottles.

“By drinking from single-use water bottles, we are contributing to the disease of our oceans. We propose to stop selling 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.”

The bill is moving forward along with a second reading scheduled for December.

If passed, this would impact entities such as Blaisdell and Shell, but discussions are still ongoing.

“We are not trying to disrupt current contracts. So I think as we talk to the community, we’ll adjust the bill, set some timelines and give everyone the opportunity to adapt. But of course this is a step that I think we need to continue working on, just the first step,” Weyer added.

This would have no impact on the sale of plastic water bottles outside municipal establishments.