HONOLULU (KHON2) — Several cities across the United States have already banned the sale of plastic water bottles at certain facilities. Now, the Honolulu City Council is looking to do the same.
Honolulu City Councilmember Matt Weyer and Chair Tommy Waters introduced a bill to prohibit the sale and purchase of single-use plastics, including water bottles, at city facilities and events.
“I think the goal right is to put us on a more sustainable path, knowing that cans, aluminum cans, other materials as well are recovered more easily, they’re recycled more easily and cheaper. And of course, we want to get plastics out of our environment, out of our bodies,” Weyer said.
The measure said the recycling rate for plastic bottles in Hawaii is 37% versus 55% for aluminum.
“In terms of examples of impact on our coastlines, we definitely see microplastics turning up in our food research, showing it turning up in our bodies. You know, it’s something jurisdictions at all levels have done,” he added.
The bill said plastic containers of one liter or less are major contributors to litter, ocean pollution and harm wildlife.
Last week, students from Holomua Elementary School spoke to the City Council about ocean acidification and spoke out against single-use plastic bottles.
“By drinking from single-use water bottles we’re contributing to the sickness of our oceans. We propose no more selling of single-use plastic water bottles in our government vending machines, we have to start somewhere and we think the best place to start is with the people who can change our laws.”
The bill is moving along with a second reading set for December.
If passed, it would impact facilities like the Blaisdell and the Shell but there are still discussions underway.
“We’re not trying to disrupt any current contracts. So I think as we have conversations with the community, we may adjust the bill, put in some timelines, give everyone an opportunity to adjust. But of course, this is a step that I think we’re going to have to, you know, keep working on, just the first step,” Weyer added.
This would not impact the sale of plastic water bottles outside of City-owned facilities.