Honolulu's Bill 40 (2019) prohibits food vendors from selling, distributing, or using polystyrene foam containers, plates, cups, and trays. Full enforcement began January 2022 after pandemic delays.
ROH Chapter 41 Article 19 bans food service businesses from using disposable foam (expanded polystyrene) foodware including clamshells, cups, plates, bowls, and trays. Phase-in began July 2021 with full enforcement January 2022. Vendors must use compostable, recyclable, or reusable alternatives. Limited hardship waivers exist for small businesses showing cost burden. Raw meat/seafood trays at supermarkets are exempt. The ordinance complements Honolulu's plastic bag ban and is part of Mayor's Zero Waste strategy aligned with the 2020 Climate Action Plan. State law does not preempt this; multiple counties have parallel bans.
Civil fines of $100 first offense, $500 second, and $1,000 per day for continuing violations under ROH Β§41-19.
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See how Honolulu's polystyrene foam rules rules stack up against other locations.
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