Hawaii Polystyrene Foam Rules Law: Statewide Single-Use Items Rules (2026)

Full Breakdown

Like plastic bags, polystyrene foodware is regulated entirely at the county level in Hawaii. Honolulu's ROH Chapter 41-23 prohibits food vendors from selling or providing prepared food in polystyrene foam containers. Maui County (Title 20.25) and Hawaii County (HCC Chapter 14) have similar rules, and Kauai County restricts polystyrene foodware at facilities and county events. Bills to enact a statewide polystyrene ban have been introduced repeatedly in the legislature but have not become law as of 2026. The combined county ordinances effectively cover the entire state's food-vendor industry. Limited exemptions exist for raw meat packaging and pre-packaged products from outside the state.

Violations & Penalties

County polystyrene ordinance violations typically carry warnings followed by escalating fines from $100 to $1,000.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are polystyrene takeout containers banned in Hawaii?

Yes, by county ordinances in all four counties, though no statewide ban exists.

Can I still ship products to Hawaii in foam packaging?

Yes. The county rules generally target prepared food vendors, not pre-packaged shipments.

Is statewide preemption likely?

Hawaii does not preempt local single-use rules, and statewide bans have not yet been enacted.

Sources

Source

Hawaii Polystyrene Foam: County-Level Foodware Bans