Save Kauai brings together current information about Kauai and web-based tools that allow you to take action. If we want to affect the future of Kauai in a pono way we must organize and begin implementing solutions, not just fighting the problems.
Aloha 'Aina, Imua Kakou!
Could you make a call today to help us pass a critical recycling bill? A joint House-Senate conference committee will be deciding TODAY (Apr 25) whether or not to pass a measure to require large stores to participate in taking back HI-5 bottles and cans. Your call can make a difference.
Please ask Rep. Kyle Yamashita, a key vote, to support this policy today:
Rep. Kyle Yamashita: 586-6330 (Maui toll-free 984-2400 + 66330), repyamashita
Capitol.hawaii.gov">repyamashitaCapitol.hawaii.gov
Tell him that you support requiring stores to take back bottles and cans, just like every other bottle law state. The bill number is either HB 639 or SB 651--either bill could contain the policy.
You can also send an email to the entire conference committee on both bills here.
More info about in-store take back:
The single best way to ensure easy, convenient redemption for Hawaii’s consumers is to mandate that grocery stores and retailers of a certain size take back the bottles and cans that they sell, just like every other deposit law state. Hawaii’s bottle law has proven to be an overwhelming success for Hawaii’s environment, with nearly 2 BILLION bottles and cans being diverted from Hawaii’s landfills since the program started. Despite its success, the bottle law can be improved. Residents have rightfully complained about the cumbersome redemption process, with infrequent redemption centers and spotty hours of operation. This problem could be remedied by simply requiring that grocery stores and retailers take back the bottles and cans that they sell--just as they do in every other bottle law state. This measure will accomplish this, requiring that large, “big box†stores with over 75,000 square feet of interior space provide for redemption, exempting the small, “mom & pop†stores. While we would like to see this measure extended to all regular grocery stores (Foodlands, Safeways, etc) over 10,000 square feet, we appreciate this first step in increasing recycling opportunities. Stores would not need to staff a redemption center; they could simply install “reverse vending machines†at the store or in the parking lot.