John Matson warned them.
Source: Council holds the ‘foam’ ban; Polystyrene food container measure dies on 4-4 vote despite dozens testifying in support | Hawaii Tribune-Herald (http://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/news/local-news/council-holds-foam-ban-polystyrene-food-container-measure-dies-4-4-vote).
Accessed on 04 June 2016, 17:11 hrs, UTC.
Reporter: Nancy Cook Lauer (“West Hawaii Today”).
Please click link to read the full story.
Comment:
Apparently, Hawaii County Council members took John Matson’s sarcastic and “facetious” advice and voted down Bill 140, which would impose a ban on polystyrene or styrofoam food containers. Despite testimony supporting the ban on styrofoam products, the council deadlocked 4-4 on the measure. The resolution of the polystyrene food container bill will have to wait until a new council assumes office next year after the general election. It’s interesting to note that Kona Councilman and Council Chairman Dru Kanuha was absent. According to reporter Nancy Cook Lauer, Kanuha “previously voted against the bill in committee.
Supporters of the bill cited environmental damage from styrofoam, including harm to seabirds and marine life.
Opponents of Bill 140 mentioned the added cost of recyclable containers, potential job losses for an Oahu polystyrene facility, and “the loss of individual choice.”
Bill 140 would have banned polystyrene take-out containers, beginning 01 July 2018. The bill also included several exemptions for food prepared off-island, raw food, emergencies, and financial hardship.
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