In Hawaii, Kauai and Maui are leading the way by banning single use plastic bags that easily find their way into water streams, ocean currents and the stomachs of birds and fish. The laws went into effect on January 11.

On Kauai, all commercial businesses, including restaurants and takeout food establishments, are restricted from providing plastic bags at checkout. Recyclable paper bags and biodegradable bags will replace plastic. Businesses that fail to comply face a $250 per-day fine for the first notice, $500 a day for the second notice, and $1,000 a day for the third. Plastic bags are permitted for raw meat, poultry, produce and bagging up bulk foods. Dry cleaning plastic garment bags are exempt from the ban.

On Maui, all businesses, including restaurants, are restricted from providing non-biodegradable bags to customers at checkout. Businesses are required to provide recyclable paper or reusable bags for sale or at no charge. Maui business owners face fines of $500 per day for noncompliance. If the violation continues, the daily fine will be doubled on the first day of each 30-day period and can be increased up to $1,000 per day thereafter.

As Oahu still tackles a toxic smoldering fire from trash that was being stored for shipping, proponents of a statewide ban on plastic single use bags say they will put forth another bill before this legislative session ends.

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