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SB2941
THE SENATE
S.B. NO.
2941
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII
A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating
to disposable bodyboards
.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
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SECTION 1.
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The
legislature finds that disposable bodyboards are often comprised of
polystyrene, also known as Styrofoam.
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Polystyrene, once discarded, can quickly disintegrate, leaving behind
plastic foam that can pollute the State's reefs, shoreline, and marine
ecosystems.
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Recently, the Kauai county
council unanimously passed a bill banning the sale, rental, or distribution of
these disposable bodyboards to reflect their commitment to maintaining Kauai's unique
marine environment.
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A statewide ban would
comprehensively expand this positive environmental policy and support a shift towards
durable, reusable options to reduce waste, support responsible tourism, and
promote a smaller environmental footprint.
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Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to
prohibit the sale, rental, or distribution of disposable bodyboards in the
State.
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SECTION 2.
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Chapter 342D, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new
section to part I to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
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�342D-
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Sale,
rental, and distribution of disposable bodyboards; prohibition.
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(a)
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Beginning January 1,
, it shall be unlawful to sell, offer for sale, rent,
or distribute for sale in the State any disposable bodyboard.
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(b)
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Any person who violates this section shall be
fined:
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(1)
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$100
for a first violation;
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(2)
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$200
for a section violation; and
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(3)
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$500
for each subsequent violation in the same year.
Each day of continued violation under this
section shall constitute a distinct and separate offense.
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(c)
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For the purposes of this section "disposable bodyboard" means
a buoyant rectangular object over twenty-three inches in length with a
polystyrene foam core used for water recreation.
"
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SECTION 3.
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This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that
were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.
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SECTION 4.
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If any provision of this Act, or the application thereof to any person
or circumstance, is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other
provisions or applications of the Act that can be given effect without the
invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this Act
are severable.
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SECTION 5.
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New statutory material is underscored.
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SECTION 6.
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This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
INTRODUCED
BY:
_____________________________
Report Title:
Disposable
Bodyboards; Prohibition; Penalty
Description:
Prohibits the sale, rental, or distribution of disposable
bodyboards in the State.
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Establishes
penalties.
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.