Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SR30

Introduced
3/10/26  
Refer
3/19/26  
Refer
4/1/26  
Report Pass
4/8/26  

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.

Companion Bills

HI SCR40

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

Previously Filed As

HI SR147

Strongly Urging The Honolulu City Council To Adopt A "pedestrian First" Policy Via Ordinance.

HI SCR177

Strongly Urging The Honolulu City Council To Adopt A "pedestrian First" Policy Via Ordinance.

HI HCR112

Strongly Urging The Honolulu City Council To Adopt A "pedestrian First" Policy Via Ordinance.

HI HR108

Strongly Urging The Honolulu City Council To Adopt A "pedestrian First" Policy Via Ordinance.

HI SR145

Urging The City And County Of Honolulu To Compensate The Residents Of Any Council District That Is Chosen To Host A New Landfill.

HI HCR161

Urging The City And County Of Honolulu, The County Of Maui, The County Of Hawaii, And The County Of Kauai To Establish Sister City Relationships With Other Pacific Island Municipalities.

HI SR171

Urging The City And County Of Honolulu To Complete The Construction Of The Waianae Police Station.

HI HR156

Urging The City And County Of Honolulu, The County Of Maui, The County Of Hawaii, And The County Of Kauai To Establish Sister City Relationships With Other Pacific Island Municipalities.

HI HCR11

Urging The Hawaii Housing Finance And Development Corporation To Continue Working With The City And County Of Honolulu To Efficiently Transfer The Roads Within The Villages Of Kapolei To The City And County Of Honolulu.

HI HR11

Urging The Hawaii Housing Finance And Development Corporation To Continue Working With The City And County Of Honolulu To Efficiently Transfer The Roads Within The Villages Of Kapolei To The City And County Of Honolulu.

Similar Bills

HI SCR40

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

HI SB2941

Relating To Disposable Bodyboards.

NH HB167

Prohibiting the sale of ski, boat, and board waxes that contain intentionally added per and polyfluorinated alkyl substances.

HI HB133

Relating To Surfing.

HI SB1222

Relating To Stormwater Management Systems.

HI SB1222

Relating To Stormwater Management Systems.

HI HB1138

Relating To Ocean User Safety.

HI HB1138

Relating To Ocean User Safety.