A revised bill banning disposable polystyrene — popularly known as “styrofoam” — is coming back to the Hawaii County Council next week.
But the stay could be brief.
Puna Councilwoman Eileen O’Hara, who introduced the bill banning foam food containers, said she plans to ask it be sent to the county’s Environmental Management Commission for further review when the council meets Friday.
She said there’s no sense in rushing the bill and she wants to make sure her colleagues are comfortable with it.
“I have at least five votes (in support),” O’Hara said. “I’d like it to pass with six.”
Six votes in support would make the bill vetoproof.
The revised bill would start the ban on polystyrene products July 1, 2019, a year later than most recently proposed. It also provides an exemption for packaging for raw meat, fish and eggs.
Other exemptions would be for food packaged outside the county, coolers and ice chests, and county facility users under certain conditions.
A year ago, another polystyrene ban bill introduced by former Councilwoman Margaret Wille died after the council was deadlocked 4-4. Kona Councilman Dru Kanuha was absent.
O’Hara introduced her bill in February. She agreed in March to table it and have it reviewed by an ad hoc committee following a flurry of amendments and recommendation from other council members and staff.
Appointed to the committee were O’Hara, Kohala Councilman Tim Richards, Kanhua and North Kona Councilwoman Karen Eoff.
The committee filed its report to the council last week.
Supporters of the ban say polystyrene is harmful to the environment and is ingested by marine life.
Opponents say decisions about whether to use foam containers should be left up to businesses and they worry about passing the costs to consumers.
O’Hara said the ban would be enforced by the Department of Environmental Management, likely on a complaint basis. She said that would be similar to enforcement of
the county’s plastic bag ban.
Maui County passed its own polystyrene ban, effective Dec. 31, 2018.
Email Tom Callis at tcallis@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
