Pacific

Honolulu approves ban on plastic shopping bags

06:21 am on 28 April 2012

In Hawaii, the city of Honolulu has approved a ban on plastic shopping bags and some paper bags as well.

The council voted 7-1 to approve the ban which does not go into effect until July 2015 to give stores time to get rid of inventory and prepare for the transition.

Honolulu was the only county in the state of Hawaii not to regulate shopping bags.

Plastic shopping bags from super markets, convenience stores and restaurants will not be allowed.

Paper bags will be allowed but only if they are made of at least 40 percent recycled material and have a recyclable logo on it.

Robert Harris of environmental group, the Sierra Club Hawaii Chapter, says Hawaii is going to be the first state in the U.S. to do a complete ban on plastic bags throughout.

He added as an ocean state and a coastal state it is important Hawaii takes a leadership role on this issue.