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.

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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?

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