Following Maui’s lead, the Hawaii County Council voted August 27 to ban all Big Island businesses from offering plastic checkout bags to customers at the point of sale, reports the Star Bulletin.
The bill, which would go into effect one year after passage, would prohibit stores from using both compostable and non-biodegradable plastic bags.
Violators would pay up to $1,000 per day. The money would be used to preserve open space and natural resources.
The bill awaits approval of Mayor Harry Kim. Maui’s bill has already been signed into law and will go into effect Jan. 11, 2011.
The laws represent a growing U.S. and international trend to ban plastic bags. Proponents say bans will cut down on litter and protect the environment, while opponents say they will drive up already elevated food costs.
Trying to rid your kitchen of plastic bags? Find a recycling location using Earth911.
