STAND. COM. REP. NO. 543-22

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2022

RE: H.B. No. 1645

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.B. No. 1645, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE ENVIRONMENT,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to prohibit lodging establishments from providing small plastic bottles containing personal care products 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 the Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition, Surfrider Foundation, and four individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Health, Hawaii Tourism Authority, Maui Hotel & Lodging Association, and Maui Chamber of Commerce.

Your Committee finds that the use of complimentary single-use toiletries in hotels and other lodging establishments contributes to plastic waste locally and globally. In response, states like California and New York have recently passed laws that prohibit hotels, bed and breakfast homes, and short-term vacation rentals from providing single-use toiletries. This measure is an important step towards eliminating unnecessary single-use plastics and improving the sustainability of the hospitality industry in Hawaii.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1645, 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 Consumer Protection & Commerce,

____________________________

AARON LING JOHANSON, Chair