Ethan Clarke
Hawaii has a unique network of plastic bag bans in place across its five counties: Maui, Kauai, Hawaii, Honolulu, and Kalawao. Despite no official state-wide ban, each county has passed legislation prohibiting the use of single-use plastic bags, making Hawaii the first state to effectively ban these items without passing a state law. The final phase of Honolulu's ban, approved in 2019, came into effect on January 1, 2020, prohibiting plastic bags of any kind. Maui County implemented a similar ban in 2011, and other counties have followed suit, making Hawaii a leader in the movement to reduce plastic waste.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Single-use plastic bags banned | Yes, in Maui, Kauai, Hawaii and Honolulu counties |
| State-wide ban on single-use plastic bags | No, but effectively banned as only Kalawao County does not have a ban and it is remote with few inhabitants |
| Plastic bags banned at checkout | Yes |
| Plastic bags banned for takeout food | Yes |
| Paper bags allowed | Yes, but businesses can choose to charge a fee |
| Compostable plastic bags allowed | No, not in Honolulu County |
| Thicker plastic bags allowed | Yes, under some county laws |
| Plastic bag ban proposal | SB 522, to ban single-use plastic utensils, straws and polystyrene containers |
| Reusable bag benefits | Can replace 600 single-use plastic bags over its lifetime, reduce litter and conserve natural resources |
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What You'll Learn
Maui County's plastic bag ban
Hawaii is made up of five counties: Maui, Kauai, Hawaii, Honolulu, and Kalawao. Notably, each of these counties, except Kalawao County, has passed single-use plastic bag bans. Maui County's plastic bag ban was implemented after officials unanimously voted in favour of the ban in April 2008. The ban came into effect on January 11, 2011, prohibiting single-use plastic bags less than 3 mils thick at retail establishments, including restaurants.
Maui County's ban is part of a broader effort to reduce plastic bag consumption, which has significantly increased since their introduction in 1977 as an alternative to paper bags. Plastic bags now account for 4 out of every 5 bags handed out at grocery stores, with the United States consuming 30 billion plastic grocery bags annually. The excessive consumption of single-use plastic bags contributes to environmental concerns, including litter, entanglement of wildlife, and the degradation of unsafe chemicals.
To address these issues, Maui County's plastic bag reduction ordinance encourages the use of reusable bags. High-quality reusable bags can replace over 600 single-use plastic bags over their lifetime, reducing litter and conserving natural resources. The ordinance recommends keeping reusable bags easily accessible by storing them near entryways, in vehicles, or with essential items like car keys. Additionally, foldable reusable bags can be conveniently stored in pockets or backpacks.
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Honolulu's bag ban
The Honolulu City Council passed a bill in 2022, known as "Bill 40," to restrict the use of plastic bags in the city. The bill became an ordinance when it was signed into law, also known as the "Disposable Food Ware Ordinance" or "Ordinance 19-30." This measure restricts food vendors and businesses from providing disposable plastic service ware to customers. The ordinance amends the definitions of "plastic checkout bag" and "plastic film bag" and includes a new definition for "compostable plastic bag."
The City and County of Honolulu passed the bag ban to preserve the health, safety, welfare, and natural beauty of the island and to reduce the volume of bags disposed of as solid waste. The ban also aims to prevent thicker, so-called "reusable" plastic bags from being distributed and encourages the use of reusable bags instead. Reusable bags can replace over 600 single-use plastic bags over their lifetime, helping to reduce litter and conserve natural resources.
The final phase of Honolulu's bag ban was rolled out on January 1, 2020, when plastic bags of any kind, regardless of thickness or compostability, were prohibited. This built upon previous ordinances that aimed to reduce the use of plastic bags and encourage the use of reusable alternatives. The first ordinance, which took effect on July 1, 2015, amended the definition of a "compostable plastic bag" to set a standard for decomposition.
Honolulu's efforts to ban plastic bags are part of a larger movement in Hawaii to reduce single-use plastic consumption and waste. Hawaii is the first state in the United States to ban single-use plastic bags, with all but one of its five counties implementing such bans. The unique government structure of Hawaii, with no legally constituted bodies below the county level, facilitated the passage of county-wide bans on single-use plastic bags.
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The environmental impact of plastic bags
Hawaii has been working towards reducing the use of plastic bags. All four counties—Maui, Kauai, Hawaii, and Honolulu—that make up Hawaii and house the vast majority of its residents have passed single-use plastic bag bans. The final phase of Honolulu's bag ban was rolled out on January 1, 2020, banning plastic bags of any kind. In 2021, Hawaii County also banned single-use plastic checkout bags.
Plastic bags have a detrimental impact on the environment. They take many years to decompose, and during this time, they can cause serious environmental damage to human and animal health. Birds often mistake shredded plastic bags for food, filling their stomachs with toxic debris, and sea turtles cannot distinguish between jellyfish and floating plastic bags. Fish eat thousands of tons of plastic a year, transferring it up the food chain to bigger fish and marine mammals.
Microplastics are also consumed by people through food and air. It is estimated that, globally, people consume the equivalent of a credit card of plastic every week. If plastic bags are not properly disposed of, they can cause littering and stormwater drain blockages. They are easily carried by the wind, contributing to litter, and may end up in landfills, where they emit dangerous methane and carbon dioxide gases, as well as highly toxic leachates during decomposition.
Burning plastic bags releases toxic substances into the air, causing ambient air pollution. Plastic bags start out as fossil fuels, and the industry plans to increase plastic production by 40% over the next decade, which will only worsen the plastic pollution crisis.
To reduce the environmental impact of plastic bags, education is critical to improving behaviour and raising awareness about the consequences of plastic bag use. People should be encouraged to use reusable bags and recycle household waste. Legislation, such as imposing taxes on plastic bags, has also proven effective in curbing their use.
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Alternatives to single-use plastic bags
Plastic bags are detrimental to the environment, contributing to litter and harming wildlife. In Hawaii, single-use plastic bags have been banned in four out of five counties: Maui, Kauai, Hawaii, and Honolulu. Kalawao County does not have a bag ban, but due to its remote location and sparse population, plastic bags are effectively banned throughout the state.
Reusable Bags
Reusable bags are an excellent alternative to single-use plastic bags. They can be made from various materials, such as canvas, cotton, or plant-based biodegradable materials. A high-quality reusable bag can replace over 600 single-use plastic bags over its lifetime, significantly reducing waste. Reusable bags can be easily stored and carried, and it is recommended to keep them in easily accessible places like by the door, in your car, or near your keys. They can also be folded and kept in pockets or purses. It is important to wash and clean reusable bags regularly to maintain hygiene.
Stasher Bags
Stasher bags are reusable bags that come in different sizes, allowing you to store various items, from nuts and dried fruit to soups and smoothies. These bags can be reused for years, keeping thousands of single-use baggies out of landfills, making them a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option.
Airtight Containers
Instead of using plastic bags for food storage, consider using airtight containers such as mason jars, takeout containers, or biscuit tins. These containers can be reused multiple times and help reduce waste.
Cotton Mesh Produce Bags
When shopping for fresh produce, instead of using plastic bags, opt for cotton mesh produce bags. These bags are versatile, washable, and sturdy. They are a more sustainable option and can be reused multiple times, reducing the need for single-use plastic bags.
Biodegradable Trash Liners
Plant-based biodegradable trash liners are an alternative to plastic trash bags. These liners decompose within 3 to 6 months of use and are chemical-free. To make them last longer, it is recommended to practice waste separation and recycling.
Paper Bags
While paper bags are not the most environmentally friendly alternative due to the high number of trees required for their production, they are still a better option than single-use plastic bags. Businesses can offer paper bags as a substitute for plastic bags, either for free or at a small charge.
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Hawaii's government structure
The Government of Hawaii (Hawaiian: Aupuni o Hawaiʻi) is the 50th state to have joined the United States and has a unique governmental structure when compared to the rest of the country. There are no legally constituted government bodies below counties, meaning there are no city or town ordinances, and laws are passed at either the state or county level.
Hawaii is made up of five counties: Maui, Kauai, Hawaii, Honolulu, and Kalawao. The vast majority of residents live in Maui, Kauai, Hawaii, and Honolulu, and each of these counties has passed single-use plastic bag bans. Kalawao County does not have a bag ban, but it is a remote area with very few inhabitants. Despite this, single-use plastic bags are effectively banned throughout the state.
The current Governor of Hawaii is Josh Green, who was sworn in as the ninth Governor on December 5, 2022, and the Lieutenant Governor is Sylvia Luke. The Legislative branch of the state government, made up of the State Senate and the State House of Representatives, creates laws and approves the State Budget. The State Senate has 25 Senators who are elected to 4-year terms, while the State House of Representatives has 51 members elected to 2-year terms.
The Judicial Branch in Hawaii is a unified court system that functions under the Chief Justice of the Hawaii State Supreme Court. This branch administers justice according to the laws of the State of Hawaii and can rule on criminal or civil cases, interpret the State Constitution, and appoint judges, among other responsibilities.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, plastic bags are banned in Hawaii.
The plastic bag ban was implemented in different counties at different times. Maui County implemented the ban on January 11, 2011, while Honolulu's final phase of the bag ban came into effect on January 1, 2020.
The ban was introduced to reduce plastic waste, which was harming the islands' natural beauty and marine life. Plastic bags contribute to litter and can entangle or choke marine animals.
Reusable bags are recommended as a more sustainable alternative to single-use plastic bags. Paper bags are also allowed, but they are not considered the best option due to the number of trees required for their production.
Currently, Kalawao County does not have a bag ban in place due to its remote location and sparse population. However, with the passage of SB 522, a proposal to ban single-use plastic bags across the state, Kalawao County would also be included.
