S.B. 2498 Summary

• Prohibits all vendors from selling polystyrene foam containers statewide effective July 1, 2019

• Prohibits all restaurants from serving prepared food in polystyrene foam containers, including food trucks, cafeterias, and catering facilities

• Defines polystyrene foam as thermoplastic petrochemical material utilizing styrene monomer created through expandable bead, injection molding, foam molding, or extrusion-blow molding techniques

• Authorizes the Department of Health to adopt rules for enforcement and exemptions, and may require food vendors to educate customers about proper disposal of nonreusable containers and litter reduction

• Addresses environmental concerns citing polystyrene as common litter pollution in Hawaii that leaches carcinogens, harms marine and avian life, and deters tourism