Last minute amendment blocks council from voting on Honolulu's plastic bag ban

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The battle over plastic bag bans in Honolulu continues.

Honolulu city council members planned to vote on whether to repeal or replace the ban on Wednesday. However, a last minute amendment by Councilwoman Carol Fukunaga put that vote on hold.

Councilwoman Fukunaga's resolution would repeal the plastic bag ban altogether and allow retailers to offer whatever kind of bag they want, as long, as they charge a 10-cent fee. But the newly proposed amendment would require a study of potential effects, and better enforcement of littering laws.

The late change forced the council to put off debate for another month.

On the other hand, Councilman Brandon Elefante's bill would strengthen the ban by eliminating the use of any kind of plastic bag by 2020.

Councilmembers will take up the vote at their next meeting in June.

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