STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2194-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: S.C.R. No. 40

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 40 entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING THE COUNTY OF HAWAII AND CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU TO ADOPT ORDINANCES BANNING THE SALE, RENTAL, AND DISTRIBUTION OF DISPOSABLE BODYBOARDS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to urge the County of Hawaii and City and County of Honolulu to adopt ordinances banning the sale, rental, and distribution of disposable bodyboards.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from Hawaiʻi Reef and Ocean Coalition.

Your Committee finds that disposable bodyboards made of polystyrene frequently disintegrate into plastic foam that pollutes the State's reefs, shorelines, and marine ecosystems. Your Committee further finds that Maui and Kauai have already adopted ordinances banning these products and that a similar ban across all counties would more effectively reduce waste and promote a smaller environmental footprint. This measure urges the County of Hawaii and the City and County of Honolulu to adopt such bans.

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 concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 40 and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Water & Land.

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

____________________________

NICOLE E. LOWEN, Chair