Big Island council advances plastic bag ban

The Hawaii County Council advanced a bill prohibiting retailers from giving out plastic bags, but only after it softened rules on how the measure would be enforced. The Council passed the measure on a first reading with a 5-3 vote on Feb. 16, West Hawaii Today reported. Council Chairman Dominic Yagong recused himself because he works for a grocery chain that would be affected by the law.

The bill faces a second reading before it can be sent to the mayor. The measure's sponsor, Kohala Councilman Pete Hoffmann, amended the bill at the request of Mayor Billy Kenoi's administration.

Instead of creating fines of $100 to $500 and having the police enforce the law, the amendment puts the county Environmental Management Department in charge of education and enforcement. Maui and Kauai counties already adopted similar bans in January.