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Bill

Bill

HB 109

RELATING TO THE DEPOSIT BEVERAGE CONTAINER PROGRAM.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Cory Chun

HB 109 modifies Hawaii's beverage container deposit program, affecting consumer costs, recycling incentives, and state waste management practices.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 109

Legislative bill overview

HB 109 proposes modifications to Hawaii's existing deposit beverage container program, which requires consumers to pay deposits on certain beverage containers that are refunded upon return. The bill has been referred to multiple committees (Environment and Economic Policy, Consumer Protection and Commerce, and Finance) but has not yet advanced beyond initial procedural steps as of the information provided.

Why is this important

Deposit programs affect consumer purchasing costs, recycling rates, and waste management infrastructure across the state. Changes to Hawaii's program could influence environmental outcomes, retail operations, and household budgets—particularly for lower-income residents who may rely on deposit refunds as supplemental income.

Potential points of contention

  • Program scope and coverage: Uncertainty about whether the bill expands, contracts, or modifies which beverage types are included in the deposit system
  • Deposit amount adjustments: Any changes to deposit values could face opposition from retailers (who handle logistics) and consumers (who bear upfront costs)
  • Environmental vs. economic trade-offs: Balance between incentivizing recycling and avoiding regressive impacts on low-income households or creating administrative burdens for retailers and redemption centers

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

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