STAND. COM. REP. NO. 451-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.B. No. 1948

H.D. 1

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 H.B. No. 1948, 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 in the State from providing small plastic containers of personal care products 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 Sustainable Coastlines Hawaiʻi; Climate Protectors Hawaiʻi; Hawaiʻi Reef and Ocean Coalition; Solid Waste Reduction Task Force of Hawaii Environmental Change Agents; Surfrider Foundation, Hawaiʻi Region; Zero Waste Kauaʻi; and numerous individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources; Department of Health; Maui Chamber of Commerce; and one individual.

Your Committee finds that many lodging establishments provide complimentary toiletries that are packaged in small plastic containers that, due to their size and where they are provided, seem intended to be disposed of shortly after use or after just a single use. Your Committee further finds that this practice is not consistent with sustainable tourism, preserving natural resources, or minimizing environmental harms. Your Committee notes that alternatives to small plastic containers already exist in the form of bulk dispensing and sustainable packaging materials, which some lodging establishments have already adopted. This measure phases in a prohibition on the provision of these products in small plastic containers in certain areas of lodging establishments to shift the entire industry toward greater environmental responsibility and stewardship.

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. 1948, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs.

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

____________________________

NICOLE E. LOWEN, Chair