THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	746
THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2019
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to banning the use of polystyrene containers in public schools.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that products made using polystyrene foam are one of the most common kinds of litter pollution in Hawaii.  Polystyrene foam is ultra-light, which allows it to blow away easily in Hawaii's tradewinds, and accumulate on land, in our streams, in our oceans, and eventually in the fish we eat.  Polystyrene foam breaks down into small particles that leach styrene, a known carcinogen, into our environment and our food chain.

     The legislature further finds that many public schools continue to use polystyrene foam containers to serve school breakfast and lunch, resulting in thousands of pieces of polystyrene waste produced on a daily basis.  The constant use of polystyrene food containers also sets a bad and unsustainable example for our public school students.

     The purpose of this Act is to protect Hawaii's economy and environment by prohibiting the use of polystyrene foam containers by public schools statewide.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§302A-    Prohibition on the sale and use of polystyrene foam containers in public schools.  (a)  Every public school shall ensure that no food or beverage packaged or contained in a polystyrene foam container is sold, offered for sale, or otherwise provided in the school.

     (b)  The board may adopt any rules necessary for the administration of this section.

     (c)  Using criteria adopted by the board by rule, the department may provide an extension for compliance to any school that is able to show a financial hardship experienced from complying with the requirements of this section.

     (d)  For the purposes of this section:

     "Polystyrene" means a thermoplastic petrochemical material utilizing a styrene monomer, including all polystyrene, such as any styrene or vinyl chloride polymer that is blown into a foam-like material.  Polystyrene includes materials created from techniques including the fusion of polymer spheres, injection molding, foam molding, and extrusion-blow molding.

     "Polystyrene foam container" means a container that is made using polystyrene."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

 

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

 

 

Report Title:

Polystyrene Foam Containers; Public Schools; Prohibited

 

Description:

Prohibits the use of polystyrene foam containers or the sale or provision of food or beverages packaged or contained in polystyrene foam containers at public schools.

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.