Do you Support Regulating Plate Lunch Containers?

Aloha,    July 11, 2014

When was the last time you were given a take-out food container and a plastic bag for the convenience of carrying your food home? Two important bills the Council is reviewing may affect these items and I want to make sure you have an opportunity to weigh in on these issues.

The first is Bill 38, which would expand the forthcoming ban on plastic bags to include a ban on biodegradable plastic bags. The second is Bill 40, which would ban foam food containers.

Some have raised concerns that we need these bills to combat the environmental effect these items have on our ‘āina and kai. Others are against Bills 38 and 40 because they believe forcing businesses to buy more expensive containers and bags will adversely impact their prices to consumers. For example, the increased cost for a non-foam food container can be four times more than foam containers.

Later this month on July 23rd, Bill 38 and Bill 40 will have public hearings in the Committee on Public Works and Sustainability. I welcome your thoughts on these two important measures.

Please call my office at (808) 768-5001 or send me an e-mail: kmpine@honolulu.gov. I look forward to hearing your opinions on these important bills and other legislative proposals pending before the City Council.

Mahalo,

Councilmember Kymberly Marcos Pine