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Bill

SB 1551

RELATING TO PLASTIC.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Gabbard

Hawaii SB 1551 addresses plastic regulation but lacks publicly available details on specific restrictions; referred to committees for further development before 2026 session.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
#ban #non-recyclablepaperbags #penalties #single-useplasticbags
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Bill Summary · SB 1551

Legislative bill overview

SB 1551 is a Hawaii bill related to plastic regulation, introduced by Senator Mike Gabbard. The bill was introduced in January 2025, passed first reading, and was referred to the Agriculture and Environment (AEN) and Consumer Protection (CPN) committees, as well as the Judiciary Committee (JDC). It has been carried over to the 2026 legislative session for continued consideration.

Why is this important

Plastic regulation has significant environmental and economic implications for Hawaii, an island state particularly vulnerable to ocean plastic pollution and waste management challenges. The outcome of this bill could affect businesses, consumers, and environmental protection efforts across the state, depending on what specific plastic restrictions or requirements it imposes.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of restrictions — Unclear whether the bill targets single-use plastics, certain plastic types, or broader categories; different approaches have varying impacts on businesses and consumers
  • Implementation timeline — Any phase-in period and compliance deadlines could affect small businesses differently than large corporations
  • Economic trade-offs — Balancing environmental goals against potential increased costs for consumers and businesses, particularly in a state with limited alternative suppliers

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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