I strongly support Charter Amendment Proposal P243 supporting zero waste plans in the City and County of Honolulu & Hawaiʻi.
Honolulu generates an estimated 1.7 million tons of waste annually, much of which still ends up in landfills or incineration despite sustainability goals, single-use plastic reduction laws, food waste recycling intentions, and the City’s stated goal to reduce waste by 25% by 2030 from 6.5 pounds per day to 4.9 pounds per day. Current systems rely heavily on exporting recyclables and importing food (much of which is wrapped in single-use plastic). Without a citywide zero-waste mandate that prioritizes reduction and reuse, Honolulu risks falling behind state and global sustainability standards.
A comprehensive “Zero Waste 2040 Plan” will institutionalize a circular-economy approach that focuses on prevention — reducing waste generation at the source, expanding local reuse and compost systems, and aligning with the city’s climate, food security, and stormwater management goals.
Please advance Proposal P243 to make Honolulu a leader in circular economy and climate action.
Mahalo for your time and consideration.