Index
Hawaii Plastic Bag Ban
Summary
Hawaii was the first state in the U.S. to fully ban the use of single-use plastic bags at grocery stores and retail checkouts.
Rights & Rules
- 01.Grocery stores, restaurants, and retail shops cannot give you a single-use plastic bag to carry out your items.
- 02.Stores must either offer you a reusable bag or a paper bag.
- 03.In many counties (like Honolulu), stores are required by law to charge you a minimum fee (usually 15 cents) if you request a paper or reusable bag.
- 04.You are encouraged to bring your own bags from home to avoid the fees.
Penalties
- 01.Businesses that violate the ban are fined between $100 and $1,000 per day that the violation continues.
Verified Citations
Honolulu Code of Ordinances Chapter 9
Source"Businesses shall not provide plastic checkout bags and non-recyclable paper bags to their customers at the point of sale for the purpose of transporting groceries or other merchandise..."