Mayor Kawakami signs Bill 2976 prohibiting disposable bodyboards to protect Kaua‘i’s environment
LĪHU‘E – On Wednesday, December 10, Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami signed into law Bill No. 2976, an ordinance introduced by Councilmember Fern Holland and co-sponsored by Council Vice Chair KipuKai Kuali‘i, passed unanimously by the Kaua‘i County Council to reduce environmental harm by prohibiting the sale, rental, or distribution of disposable polystyrene foam bodyboards in the County of Kaua‘i.
The ordinance, which establishes a new Article 29 under Chapter 22 of the Kaua‘i County Code, aims to protect the island’s unique environment, marine life, and avian populations. Disposable bodyboards, often used briefly before being discarded, break into smaller fragments that contribute to litter, create additional landfill burdens, and pose ingestion and entanglement risks for wildlife. Bill 2976 encourages a shift toward durable bodyboards made from high-density polyethylene or polypropylene, which have a longer lifespan and reduced environmental impact.
“Disposable bodyboards may seem small, but their impact has been anything but small,” said Mayor Kawakami. “By eliminating polystyrene foam boards from stores and rentals, we are protecting our beaches, our ocean, and the wildlife that calls Kaua‘i home.”
Councilmember Fern Holland, who introduced the bill, said, “This ordinance reflects our responsibility to care for Kaua‘i’s environment. By encouraging durable alternatives, we are reducing waste, protecting marine life, and ensuring our islands remain beautiful for generations to come.”
Under the new ordinance, businesses are prohibited from selling, renting, or distributing disposable bodyboards. Violations are subject to escalating civil penalties, with enforcement authority vested in the Public Works Solid Waste Division, and additional legal action available through the County Attorney. Definitions are included in the ordinance to clearly distinguish disposable bodyboards, durable alternatives, and polystyrene foam.
Bill No. 2976 will take effect one year from the date of approval, giving businesses time to transition to environmentally preferred alternatives. The ordinance reflects the County’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship, waste reduction, and public health, while promoting practical solutions that minimize human impact on Kaua‘i’s coastlines and natural habitats.
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