Hawaii Becomes First State in the U.S. to Ban Plastic Bags

related: Documenting the Great Pacific Garbage Patch a.k.a. 'Plastic

By Bill Hickman

When the Governor of Honolulu County signed into law the plastic bag banlast week that the County Council approved, Hawaii became the first state in the nation where every city and unincorporated area is covered by a plastic bag ban. This was not done by the state legislature, but instead by all four County Councils—a great example of local activists and decision makers addressing the serious issue of plastic pollution.

The City and County of Honolulu is the last of Hawaii’s counties to enact a ban on plastic bags at the point of sale. Maui and Kauai counties already have plastic bag bans in place while Hawaii County passed an ordinance that will take effect next year. While we are excited that the plastic bag bans have been enacted, there has been a reported increase in paper bag use from locals. Paper bags biodegrade and don’t have the same impact on wildlife, but there are issues with any disposable product, so local Surfrider Chapterswill continue to push for more reusable bag education and a potential fee on paper bags.

For now, let’s celebrate this important moment and spread the word to bring your reusable bags when traveling to Hawaii. Congratulations to all of the Surfrider activists and other organizations involved.

For more information, click here.

Views: 686

Comment

You need to be a member of 12160 Social Network to add comments!

Join 12160 Social Network

Comment by Nikki on June 5, 2012 at 4:37pm

LOL, Greg. I don't agree with 99% of nanny state legislation. And it's too bad that plastic bags had to be banned by legislation. Many stores have offered alternative shopping bags for decades but the majority just couldn't change their lazy ways.

Comment by Nikki on June 5, 2012 at 3:26pm

Paper is such a waste too because most people just use them once.  I use the same paper bags over and over until they fall apart. But washable fabric bags are the best.  The ban started in my town about a year ago. I notice that when shoppers forget to bring their bags they just have the bag person put everything back in the shopping cart and roll it out to their car rather than pay 10 cents for a paper bag.

Comment by Central Scrutinizer on June 5, 2012 at 2:52pm

Constitutional Draft as well ;)

Comment by truth on June 5, 2012 at 2:48pm

Hemp paper, what a new and novel idea :) Wait, paper was invented in 46 BC , using hemp. Novel indeed.

Comment by Central Scrutinizer on June 5, 2012 at 9:28am

apparently this state bans actual, real birth certificates as well ;)

Comment by Nikki on June 4, 2012 at 11:26pm

I've been using canvas shopping bags for years. They shouldn't have to pass laws but lazy-ass Americans just can't figure it out. Europeans never started this nasty habit and always bring their own bags and have always done so.

Comment by truth on June 4, 2012 at 8:25pm

I see both sides here, yet lean towards" f the bags". We have so many stupid laws, why not have one that actually could do something I say. If you have personally seen the garbage patch linked above,  as well as rescued animals trapped in these things as I have, you may understand . I would rather have an educated public that understands proper disposal of these things vs new laws believe me. We  just aint got that now do's we ?

Comment by Nathan on June 4, 2012 at 6:20pm

Celebrate freedom; read a banned book and carry it around in a plastic bag!

Comment by suzie on June 4, 2012 at 6:16pm

so what's next ban brown bags..oh we can pay more ... take your groceries home in the crak in your a$$.. ban the crack in my A$$ !! this stuff just pisses me off ..

Comment by Nathan on June 4, 2012 at 6:13pm

LOL! Trouble in paradise, Troy?

"Destroying the New World Order"

TOP CONTENT THIS WEEK

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE SITE!

mobile page

12160.info/m

12160 Administrators

 

Latest Activity

Doc Vega posted a blog post

Unusual Discoveries and Headlines

Archaeologists have discovered an ancient tool dated to be 6,000 years old, but even more…See More
9 hours ago
tjdavis posted a video

Inside Texas HOMELESS HELL – Even Cops Don't Dare Step In! - Documentary

In this powerful documentary, we explore the escalating Texas homeless crisis 2025, where cities and rural areas alike are witnessing a disturbing rise in th...
14 hours ago
tjdavis posted a photo
22 hours ago
John Miller replied to MAC's discussion BREAKING! UFO whistleblowers drop BOMBSHELL on D.C. | Redacted with Natali and Clayton Morris
"Crazy how these whistleblower stories are finally making it into bigger conversations. Makes you…"
yesterday
Burbia favorited tjdavis's blog post The Dems Love Their Demons
Sunday
John Miller commented on tjdavis's photo
Thumbnail

Comprehensive Coverage

"That car needs an exorcism, not an oil change."
Saturday
John Miller commented on tjdavis's blog post The Dems Love Their Demons
"If the Dems are dating demons, then that AI romance shoot was basically engagement photos."
Saturday
John Miller replied to cheeki kea's discussion Would-Be Trump Assassin Ryan Routh Gave Many Interviews with Mainstream Media
"Wouldn't be surprised if there's a whole lot more buried under the surface here."
Saturday
Less Prone favorited rlionhearted_3's photo
Saturday
Less Prone left a comment for John Miller
"Welcome John."
Saturday
Doc Vega posted a blog post

The Saga of Ape Canyon Revisited

 In the years that I’d written for the Plano Star Courier I got several invitations to go on…See More
Saturday
John Miller is now a member of 12160 Social Network
Saturday
Less Prone favorited tjdavis's photo
Saturday
tjdavis posted a photo
Saturday
Burbia posted a video

The lIIumlnatl Stallions: MethyIene Bluecifer & Mind-Control Horses [ FULL DOCUMENTARY ]

🐴🦄🐸 Get the NEW "lIIumlnatl Animal Coloring Book!" 🐴🦄🐸NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON - CLICK HERE: https://amzn.to/3SYgAkC🔑 Get MORE Access to the Secret Vid...
Saturday
Doc Vega commented on Doc Vega's blog post Memorial Weekend Getaway Horror Story
"Less Prone thanks for your support Buddy! "
Friday
Doc Vega replied to cheeki kea's discussion Would-Be Trump Assassin Ryan Routh Gave Many Interviews with Mainstream Media
"cheeki kea, I really appreciate the reporting of Sky News. I think they've done a great…"
Friday
Doc Vega posted a blog post

When

 Sad blue eyed poet rehearses his craftJust took a salvo in the compartment aftHis chances of…See More
Friday
cheeki kea replied to cheeki kea's discussion Would-Be Trump Assassin Ryan Routh Gave Many Interviews with Mainstream Media
"You're damn right there Doc V. but we may never know exactly where all the funding came from…"
Friday
cheeki kea commented on tjdavis's photo
Thumbnail

Me-Again

"Oh Look a new version of Megan, can't say the old version looked to flash either. Seems like…"
Friday

© 2025   Created by truth.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service

content and site copyright 12160.info 2007-2019 - all rights reserved. unless otherwise noted