There are a lot of important bills that we are considering at the legislature. One that I feel strongly about is SB 2511- the plastic bag bill. You might have heard about this bill—putting a 10 cent fee on every plastic and paper bag given out by retailers. We got very close to passing similar legislation last year. If it becomes law, we would become the first state in the nation to charge a fee for these bags. This is a great way to clean up litter and protect our marine life. This bill is a win-win and I'm making it one of my top priorities this session. I’m sorry if some of you have heartburn about this bill. The fact is we use 400 million plastic and 20 million paper bags each year, and as the chair of the Senate Energy and Environment committee, I’m doing everything I can to get us off foreign oil, plus keep the aina clean.
I want to clarify that this is a fee, not a tax. If you bring your reusable bag to the store, you won’t need to buy any plastic bags. As one constituent pointed out to me, he thinks it’s a great idea. He said he plans to carry his cooler and a box in the car. When he goes shopping, he’ll have the cashier put all the groceries back into his cart, then he’ll wheel it out to the car, and load up!
Senator Mike Gabbard and Ken Kelly, of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, were interviewed by Jay Fidell for his Think Tech Hawai‘i Radio Show on 760 KGU-AM on December 28th. Pictured in front (L to R) are Jay, Senator Gabbard, and Ken.
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Kapolei Sustainable Energy Park Solar Commissioning Ceremony and Blessing - December 22, 2011
The Solar Commissioning Ceremony and Blessing of the Kapolei Sustainable Energy Park took place on December 22nd. Senator Mike Gabbard was on hand to share in the festivities. Pictured with him are Senator Will Espero and Constance Lau, President and CEO of Hawaiian Electric Industries.
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Retirement Ceremony of Command Sergeant Major Iuniasolua Savusa - December 19, 2011
Senator Mike Gabbard presented an Honorary Certificate to Command Sergeant Major Iuniasolua Savusa during his retirement ceremony at Fort Shafter’s historic Palm Circle on December 19, 2011. The ceremony was highlighted by a speech from General Francis Wiercinski, Army Pacific Commander, who described the distinguished service and bravery of CSM Savusa.
