Hawaii Senate Bill SR30

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/26
• Refer: 3/19/26
• Refer: 4/1/26
• Report Pass: 4/8/26
• Passed: 4/9/26

Caption

Urging The County Of Hawaii And City And County Of Honolulu To Adopt Ordinances Banning The Sale, Rental, And Distribution Of Disposable Bodyboards.

Impact

The potential adoption of such ordinances would mirror similar actions taken by Maui County and Kauai County, which have already implemented bans on disposable bodyboards. The move to expand these bans state-wide aims to ensure a more unified approach to environmental protection in Hawaii. By targeting disposable bodyboards, the legislation seeks not only to mitigate waste but also to promote responsible tourism, as disappearing marine environments can detract from the state's allure for visitors.

Summary

Senate Resolution 30 urges the County of Hawaii and the City and County of Honolulu to adopt ordinances that ban the sale, rental, and distribution of disposable bodyboards made from polystyrene, commonly referred to as Styrofoam. The resolution highlights the environmental concerns associated with disposable bodyboards, noting that when these products are discarded or broken, they leave behind plastic foam that can contribute to pollution of marine ecosystems, specifically the reefs and shorelines of Hawaii. With the growing awareness of environmental sustainability, this resolution seeks to address a concerning source of waste impacting Hawaii's natural beauty and marine biodiversity.

Contention

While the resolution is largely proactive towards environmental sustainability, it may encounter debates focusing on the practicality of enforcing such ordinances. Some stakeholders might argue about the impact on local businesses and tourism operators that utilize disposable bodyboards as part of their services. There is also the broader consideration of how effectively such bans can be monitored and what alternatives can be presented to consumers and businesses to alleviate any economic impacts while still protecting marine environments.

Final_note

Ultimately, if enacted, Senate Resolution 30 would establish a significant precedent in Hawaii for legislative action against plastic waste, potentially prompting further discussions and measures addressing environmental issues related to tourism and waste management in coastal areas.