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Hearings begin on plastic bag reduction (June 7)

Karin Stanton | Hawaii 24/7 Editor

The first in a series of six public hearings is slated Tuesday, June 7 in Keaau as the County Council mulls an ordinance that prohibits most plastic bags.

The bill, introduced by Kohala Councilman Pete Hoffmann, looked set for a final vote in March, when Hilo Councilman Dennis ‘Fresh’ Onishi asked that it be postponed. When that was move was thwarted, Onishi called for public hearings, which was backed by fellow Hilo Councilmen J Yoshimoto and Donald Ikeda.

The three votes were enough to schedule a full slate of public hearings and delay a final vote for at least nine months.

Following the public hearings, the bill will return to the council for second and final vote. Mayor Billy Kenoi repeatedly has said he supports the bill – with a couple of amendments to the enforcement and penalty clauses – and likely will not veto it.

Kona Councilwoman Brenda Ford said last week she believes six hearings is excessive and plans to introduce a measure to squash the rest of the series.

According to the bill, plastic bags are detrimental to the environment because they: don’t degrade into safe compounds; introduce unsafe chemicals into the environment; contribute to litter; may harm or kill marine and pasture animals through entanglement and ingestion; and clog up the county landfills.

Shops and restaurants would have a year to phase out one-time use plastic bags, although consumers would be encouraged to immediately begin toting reusable bags for their purchases.

The bill, which mirrors those passed on Maui and Kauai, found majority support among residents who testified before the council.

Those in favor of the bill – including dozens of middle and high school students – cited environmental, pollution and health reasons.

Those opposed generally voiced specific reasons – they are better, more convenient and cheaper for take-out restaurants; prevent contamination when transporting meat, vegetable and fruit products; and they are re-used to pooper-scoop pet dogs and cat litter boxes.

Public hearing schedule

* 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 7 at Keaau Community Center,
* 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 13 at Pahoa Community Center
* 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 26 at Naalehu Community Center
* 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25 in the Council Room on Aupuni Street in Hilo
* 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27 at Papaaloa Gym
* 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15 in the Council Room at the West Hawaii Civic Center

Those not able to appear in person may mail testimony to the County Clerk’s Office at 25 Aupuni Street, Hilo, Hi 96720; fax to 961-8912, or email to counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us.

For further information, call 961-8255.

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