Bill > SB1020

This bill establishes a comprehensive prohibition on single-use plastics and PFAS-containing food service items in Hawaii, effective January 1, 2026. Specifically, businesses where food or beverages are packaged and sold for individual consumption will be banned from using, selling, or distributing disposable or single-use plastic food ware, beverage cups, lids, and food containers. The legislation includes several important exemptions, such as reusable and refillable containers, compostable plastics (with specific regional processing requirements), and packaging used in emergency situations. The bill defines various terms like "plastic," "single-use," and "PFAS" in detail, and provides that businesses violating the law can be fined between $100 and $1,000 per day of violation. The law is motivated by significant environmental concerns, including marine pollution, the persistence of plastics in the environment, the toxic nature of PFAS chemicals (which have been linked to health risks like cancer and hormone disruption), and the substantial taxpayer costs associated with plastic waste cleanup. By implementing this ban, Hawaii aims to reduce plastic waste, protect marine ecosystems, and mitigate potential health risks associated with single-use plastics and PFAS-containing food packaging.

Business and Industry

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1020&year=2025