(BIVN) – Executives representing local food service establishments and restaurant associations on Monday testified in support of a bill before the Hawaiʻi County Council that would amend the law relating to polystyrene foam food containers and food service ware reduction.

Bill 74, introduced by Councilmember Tim Richards, proposed amendments to five definitions and exemptions provisions to address what types of containers and packaging will be prohibited as of July 1, 2019, when the polystyrene reduction goes into effect.

Richards also amended the bill to clarify the definition of the word “recyclables” to mean “material that has reached the end of its current use and maybe processed into material utilized in the production of new products,” with the word “maybe” (in bold) to replace the word “is”.

The Hawaiʻi County Agriculture, Water, Energy, and Environmental Management Committee gave the bill a positive recommendation on Monday.

Representatives from Zippy’s, Cafe 100, KTA Superstores, Mauna Loa Macadamia Nuts, and Big Island Candies spoke in favor of the bill.