A Maui County ordinance would ban the use and distribution of plastic utensils, cups, plates, and takeout containers among local restaurants and retailers. Instead, businesses would have to provide non-plastic, compostable products.
Ordinance 5084 was supposed to go into effect on Jan. 1, 2022. But due to ongoing issues with the global supply chain, it has been delayed until March 1.
Victor Lim, legislative lead for the Hawaii Restaurant Association, says ongoing delays in the supply chain have hindered local businesses from receiving their orders on time. But adds the challenges are also impacting manufacturers from getting raw materials to create their products.
"[Manufacturers] do not have a good timeline as to when they are going to get their supply on raw materials," he said. "Some of these products, you're looking at six to 12 months lead time for you to be able to get it."
Lim says he has spoken to restaurant owners and franchisees in Maui County. He says getting cups compliant with the county's law is becoming difficult to order.
In addition to the delay, there are also financial impacts on businesses.
"The PLA products, that we are finding out, is about almost three times the price of the plastic products it replaced."
At a public hearing in July 2021, one testifier submitted letters from several distributors showing price increases in shipping and products. Some cited prices as high as 15%.
Janice Simeon, co-owner of Tin Roof, told the Maui County Council that while her restaurant will continue to use eco-friendly containers and utensils — she is concerned smaller businesses will suffer the most. She said a single plastic fork from Costco costs 2 cents, while a compostable fork from Island Sustainable products will cost 5 cents.
Last week, Mayor Michael Victorino signed an emergency proclamation suspending the law's effective date until March 1. In a release, Victorino acknowledged the challenges businesses are facing, saying he has "provided this grace period to help businesses survive."
But he says he remains in full support of the ordinance.
However, Lim anticipates restaurants may still have a difficult time receiving orders for compliant foodware in the foreseeable future.
