THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2361
TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2010
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to waste stream reduction.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that telephone directories, such as the yellow pages and white pages, are automatically distributed to consumers.  Many of these directories go unclaimed, causing litter and an unnecessary use of resources.  In an effort to reduce paper waste, directories should be distributed only to those consumers who have specifically requested them.

     By comparison, the MidWeek tabloid is not automatically distributed to consumers.  It is mailed only to consumers who have signed a postcard authorization for the mailing, which is valid for three years.  The postcard reads, "Postal regulations require a signed request card from MidWeek readers to qualify for Periodicals mailing privileges."  The legislature finds that adopting a similar approach with the distribution of telephone directories will significantly reduce paper waste and unnecessary use of resources.

     The purpose of this Act is to require telephone directories to be distributed only to persons who have signed a written authorization to receive the directory.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 342H, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part I to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§342H-   Distribution of telephone directories. (a)  Beginning January 1, 2012, a telephone directory distributor shall not distribute telephone directories to any person, household, entity, or business without having first received a request card signed by the person, a person residing at the household, or a person representing the entity or business, authorizing the telephone directory distribution.  A self addressed prepaid request card shall be mailed by the directory distributor to each person, household, entity, or business from which distribution authorization is sought.  A signed request card authorizing distribution shall be valid for three years and may be renewed for an additional three year period, without limit on the number of renewals.

(b)  A request card under subsection (a) shall include check-mark boxes to indicate the number of telephone directories or yellow pages requested, if any, including locality directories and yellow pages.

(c)  Violators of this section shall be subject to a civil fine of $50 for each telephone directory distributed in violation, to be imposed by the director.  Any person, household, entity, or business may report a violation to the department.

(d)  As used in this section:

"Distribute" means the delivery or giving to another, or leaving with another of a telephone directory.

"Telephone directory" means a book in which are listed alphabetically the names of persons, businesses, and other entities having telephones in a specified area, along with their addresses and telephone numbers.  "Telephone directory" includes the yellow pages.

"Yellow pages" means a book or a section of a telephone directory listing businesses, services, or products alphabetically according to field."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Telephone Directories; Waste Stream Reduction

Description:

Requires telephone directories to be distributed only to persons who have signed a written authorization to receive the directory.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.