STAND. COM. REP. NO. 664

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2025

RE: H.B. No. 348

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection, to which was referred H.B. No. 348, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO SINGLE-USE PLASTICS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to prohibit lodging establishments from providing personal care products in small plastic containers within sleeping room accommodations, any space within sleeping room accommodations, or bathrooms used by the public or guests.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from Surfrider Foundation, Hawaiʻi Region; Hawaiʻi Reef and Ocean Coalition; Climate Protectors Hawaiʻi; and five individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from two individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Health; Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher; and Maui Chamber of Commerce.

Your Committee finds that single-use plastic containers in lodging establishments contribute significantly to plastic pollution and environmental degradation in the State. This measure supports the State's goals of promoting sustainable tourism and reducing waste by prohibiting lodging establishments from providing personal care products in small plastic containers within certain sleeping and bathroom accommodations.

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. 348, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

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

____________________________

NICOLE E. LOWEN, Chair