HI SB1059

Prohibits businesses with annual gross sales over $300,000 from distributing single-use plastic checkout bags to customers beginning July 1, 2012.

Defines single-use plastic checkout bags as non-biodegradable plastic bags (other than those 2.25 millimeters thick or thicker) provided at point of sale, with specific exemptions for produce bags, frozen food bags, pharmacy bags, newspaper bags, and laundry bags.

Establishes penalties of $200 for first violation, $400 for second violation within one year, and $600 for third or subsequent violations within one year.

Allows the State to grant temporary exemptions of up to one year for businesses demonstrating undue hardship, and permits counties to adopt more stringent ordinances.

Effective date is July 1, 2050 (note: this date appears to be a drafting error, as the prohibition was to begin July 1, 2012).