STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3473

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.C.R. No. 40

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture and Environment, 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 and intent 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 one individual.

Your Committee finds that polystyrene, also known as Styrofoam, once discarded, can quickly disintegrate and leave behind plastic foam that can pollute the State's reefs, shoreline, and marine ecosystems. Because many disposable bodyboards that contain polystyrene are sold, rented, or distributed throughout the State, both Maui and Kauai County have instituted prohibitions on these bodyboards to help prevent against their environmental pollution. This measure encourages a statewide transition away from these short-lived, disposable bodyboards to support products with longer lifespans and reduced environmental impact.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture and Environment that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 40 and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture and Environment,

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MIKE GABBARD, Chair