Hawaii County (Big Island of Hawaii) has announced that their ban on single-use plastic bags will begin on January 17, 2014. The Hawaii County Department of Environmental Management, which is overseeing the transition, is not expecting any major challenges, and have noted that many customers have already begun using their reusable bags at stores. Director of the HCDEM, Bobby Jean Leithead Todd, stated, "People adjust, and we don't anticipate any major problems. We've had tremendous cooperation with the public and the stores." Plastic bags will still be allowed for certain bulk items like fish, nuts, meats, grains, fresh produce, garments and prescription medications.
Maui County and Kauai County are already not allowing the use of these types of plastic bags. Honolulu County's ban will go into effect on July 1, 2015. Director of the Hawaii chapter of the Sierra Club, Robert Harris, commented, "From a marine perspective it's a tremendous victory. On Maui, in particular, the plastic bag ban has been incredibly successful. I think people in Hawaii care greatly about the environment."
Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 1-6-2014, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Principal Broker, REALTOR®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
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