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A bill proposing a ban on polystyrene foam on Oahu is scheduled for a hearing before a Honolulu City Council committee Wednesday afternoon.
The Committee on Public Works, Infrastructure and Sustainability is expected to vote on Bill 71, introduced by councilman Kymberly Pine, which proposes a ban on the use of polystyrene foam containers by food vendors as well as food packagers.
The bill, which amends an existing ordinance, passed first reading in early September and is similar to one that passed on Hawaii island that same month.
Fines for the first violation in the Honolulu bill would be up to $250 for the first violation within a one-year period, and up to $500 for second and subsequent violations in a one-year period. Exemptions are in place if compliance would cause undue hardship.
On the Big Island, the Hawaii County Council passed Bill 13, ending the use of polystyrene containers by food vendors 7-2 in September. The bill, introduced by Councilwoman Eileen O’Hara, is scheduled to go into effect starting July 1, 2019.
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