STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2122

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2019

RE: S.B. No. 522

S.D. 2

H.D. 2

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred S.B. No. 522, S.D. 2, H.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO PLASTIC,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Establish a Plastic Source Reduction Working Group to formulate a uniform, statewide plan for eliminating the use of single-use plastics, promote reuse, and find sustainable alternatives to current use and disposal of single-use plastics; and

(2) Establish the Solid Waste Prevention Coordinator position in the Department of Health and funded through the Beverage Container Deposit Special Fund to support the Plastic Source Reduction Working Group and develop policy recommendations and programs to reduce solid waste.

The Department of Health, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Councilmember representing District 7 of the Hawaii County Council, a Councilmember of the County of Kaua‘i, The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, Hawai‘i Restaurant Association, Keiko Conservation International, Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii, Dolphin Quest, Wild Kids Hawaii, Oahu County Democrats, Surfrider Foundation, Young Democrats of Hawaii, Sustainable Island Products, and many individuals supported this measure. Reynolds Recycling, Triple F Holdings LLC, American Chemistry Council, Tiki's Grill & Bar, and several individuals opposed this measure. Island Plastic Bags Inc., Retail Merchants of Hawaii, American Beverage Association, ABC Stores, Zero Waste O‘ahu, Kōkua Hawai‘i Foundation, Hawai‘i Pacific Health, KYD, Inc. dba K. Yamada Distributors, Sierra Club of Hawai‘i, Hawaii Food Industry Association, and a few individuals provided comments.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 522, S.D. 2, H.D. 2, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,

____________________________

SYLVIA LUKE, Chair