HI SB582

Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 342D-1 to add "plastic" to the definition of "water pollutant" in the state's water pollution laws.

Recognizes that microplastics and plastic pollution contaminate Hawaii's coastal waters, damage marine ecosystems, and threaten human health through bioaccumulation in the food web.

Documents that over 2,200 species including plankton, fish, seabirds, sea turtles, and marine mammals have been negatively impacted by marine debris, with all seven sea turtle species in Hawaii found to have ingested plastic particles.

Notes that plastic poses economic risks to Hawaii's fishing industry through potential consumer health concerns and ecosystem damage that depends on healthy marine environments.

Takes effect on May 6, 2137.