Lawmakers pass bill outlawing intentional balloon releases
A bill banning the intentional release of balloons and establishing a fine for violators who do so is headed to Gov. David Ige for his signature.
House Bill 1102 passed final reading in the House of Representatives Thursday and is now awaiting the governor’s signature. If enacted into law by Ige, it would establish the strongest ban on intentional balloon releases in the U.S. by imposing a $500 fine starting Jan. 1, 2023.
The bill was introduced by House Speaker Scott Saiki at the request of the nonprofit organization Beach Environmental Awareness Campaign Hawaii (B.E.A.C.H.). It passed both the House and Senate chambers, before heading into conference where an agreement was reached midweek.
“I want to thank Speaker Saiki and all the lawmakers that have taken this action to prevent balloon litter in the ocean and on beaches and help protect Hawaii’s marine life and sea birds,” Suzanne Frazer with B.E.A.C.H. said in a prepared statement.
Read more: https://www.westhawaiitoday.com/2021/04/24/hawaii-news/lawmakers-pass-bill-outlawing-intentional-balloon-releases/
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