STAND. COM. REP. NO. 661

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2023

RE: H.B. No. 85

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection, to which was referred H.B. No. 85, 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 the Department of Land and Natural Resources; Surfrider Foundation, Hawai‘i Region; Surfrider Foundation, Maui Chapter; Hawai‘i Reef and Ocean Coalition; Climate Protectors Hawai‘i; Maui Hotel & Lodging Association; Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association; Maui Chamber of Commerce; and fifteen individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from four individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Health and Hawai‘i Tourism Authority.

Your Committee finds that plastic pollution is a major threat to the ocean, the environment, and human health. Hotels and other lodging establishments frequently provide complimentary toiletries that are packaged in single-use plastic containers, which contributes to the negative impact that plastics have on the environment. This measure seeks to reduce harmful plastic waste in Hawaii by facilitating the transition away from single-use plastics for personal care products to packaging made of sustainable materials that minimize negative environmental impacts.

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. 85, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce.

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

____________________________

NICOLE E. LOWEN, Chair