Bill > SB1551

This bill proposes to ban single-use plastic bags and non-recyclable paper bags in Hawaii, establishing comprehensive regulations for businesses regarding bag usage. The legislation defines various types of bags, including compostable, recyclable, and reusable bags, and mandates that businesses charge customers a 10-cent pass-through fee for alternative bags like recyclable paper or reusable bags. Businesses must indicate the number of bags and total charge on customer receipts. The bill provides numerous exceptions for specific types of bags, such as those used for prescription medications, frozen foods, or live animals. Violations will result in fines ranging from $100 to $1,000 per day, and businesses must immediately stop distributing prohibited bags. The Department of Health is authorized to adopt rules and seek court injunctions to enforce the law. Importantly, the bill does not prevent counties from implementing equally or more stringent bag regulations, allowing local governments flexibility in addressing plastic waste. The legislation aims to reduce plastic waste and encourage more sustainable bag usage by businesses across the state.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1551&year=2026