STAND. COM. REP. NO. 906-24

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2024

RE: H.B. No. 1897

H.D. 2

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.B. No. 1897, 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 small plastic containers containing a personal care product to any person staying in a sleeping room accommodation, in any space within the sleeping room accommodation, or in any bathroom used by the public or guests.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawai‘i Reef & Ocean Coalition and Kauaʻi Climate Action Coalition. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Plastics Industry Association and one individual. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Health and Hawai‘i Tourism Authority.

Your Committee finds that single-use plastics are goods made from fossil fuel-based petrochemicals that are intended to be disposed of shortly after use. Your Committee further finds that plastic debris has deleterious impacts on wildlife and their habitats and is a critical natural resource issue in the State. Your Committee also finds that hotels and other lodging establishments frequently provide complimentary toiletries that are packaged in single-use plastic containers. However, this is not in alignment with the Hawaii Tourism Authority's strategic plan, which cites the goals of promoting sustainable tourism, preserving natural resources, and advocating for responsible tourism in Hawaii that minimizes negative environmental impacts. This measure represents a way for the State to reduce harmful plastic waste, while also promoting a more sustainable visitor industry.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Clarifying the application of penalties established by this measure;

(2) Clarifying that the Attorney General, rather than the Director of Health, may bring an action in the circuit Environmental Court to impose a civil penalty for violations of the prohibitions established by this measure; and

(3) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

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. 1897, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1897, H.D. 2.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce,

____________________________

MARK M. NAKASHIMA, Chair