HI HB357

Establishes a Single-Use Checkout Bag Fee Program requiring certain businesses to collect fees from customers for single-use checkout bags, with exemptions for customers participating in federally approved nutrition assistance programs.

Sets fee amounts to be determined (unspecified in this draft), effective January 1, 2014, with potential increases if single-use bag distribution has not decreased by at least 75 percent by July 1, 2016.

Allows businesses to retain a portion of collected fees to cover implementation costs of the Program.

Allocates fee revenues to the Department of Health for administrative costs and enforcement, and to the Department of Health and Department of Land and Natural Resources for programs mitigating environmental effects of single-use checkout bags.

Aims to reduce adverse environmental impacts of single-use checkout bag waste on Hawaii's natural environment, watersheds, and freshwater supply.