STAND. COM. REP. NO.  224

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2017

RE:   H.B. No. 1545

Honorable Joseph M. Souki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2017

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection, to which was referred H.B. No. 1545 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to prohibit the use of polystyrene food and beverage containers in state-owned and state-run buildings beginning January 1, 2020 and require that food and beverages be packed in compostable containers in state-owned or state-run buildings.  This measure also prohibits any state agency or department from entering into new contracts to purchase polystyrene food or beverage containers beginning January 1, 2018.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Democratic Party of Hawaii; Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaii; Plastic Free Hawaii; Hawaii Wildlife Fund; Ano Swimwear; Surfrider Foundation, Oahu Chapter; Conservation Council for Hawaii; Kokua Hawaii Foundation; Beach Environmental Awareness Campaign Hawaii; Conservation Ocean; Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action; and numerous individuals testified in support of this measure.  The Hawaii Restaurant Association, American Chemistry Council, KYD, Inc., and several individuals testified in opposition to this measure.  Several individuals commented on this measure.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1545 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection,

____________________________

CHRIS LEE, Chair