HI SB522

Establishes a plastic source reduction working group within the Department of Health to develop strategies for reducing and recovering plastic from Hawaii's waste stream.

Working group shall formulate recommendations on plastic reduction in the food service industry, encourage reuse and recycling, develop a statewide uniform policy on single-use plastics to replace varying county ordinances, and evaluate environmental implications of alternative packaging materials.

Membership includes the Director of Health, Board of Land and Natural Resources chairperson, Hawaii Tourism Authority president, representatives from all four counties, state sustainability coordinator, and representatives from environmental organizations, food industry associations, beverage industry, plastic manufacturers, and recycling industry.

Working group shall submit findings and recommendations for pilot projects to phase out single-use plastic packaging to the legislature no later than 20 days before the 2021 regular session convenes.

Working group ceases to exist on June 30, 2022, and the act takes effect on July 1, 2019.