Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Hawaii Becomes First State To Fully Ban Plastic Bags

In Hawaii, shoppers will no longer be offered plastic bags. California is considering a similar ban.

Jae C. Hong / AP

Hawaii on Wednesday became the first state in the union to fully ban plastic bags at grocery stores after Oahu joined other island counties in enforcing the prohibition.

The ban prohibits grocery stores from offering plastic or other non-recyclable bags to customers. Businesses that don't comply with the new ordinance will be fined $100 per day, or up to $1,000 for repeat offenders.

Jeff Barnard / AP

California has been moving toward a similar ban, but has encountered roadblocks along the way. After Gov. Jerry Brown signed a measure banning plastic bags effective July 1, opponents were able to postpone its implementation by qualifying for a referendum that will put the issue to voters in November 2016, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Supporters are confident voters will uphold the ban, noting that more than 100 California cities and counties have already enacted their own prohibitions on plastic. Supporters plan to spend $10 million to campaign for voters to vote "yes."


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