A measure aimed to protect the health of oceans and humans failed to pass this legislative session.
Senate Bill 1019, proposed by state Sen. Chris Lee, would authorize the state to use the Ocean Stewardship Special Fund “for planning, development, designing, or implementation of beach restoration projects, including the awarding of grants to nonprofit organizations for beach and nearshore environmental cleanup.”
“We can see it, we can feel it…. and I think the amount of resources trying to address the issue that it’s going to meaningfully manage the situation and it comes in two parts,” said Lee.
He said conservation of Hawaii’s beaches is only one step. Addressing growing health concerns about the dangers of humans consuming microplastics is another.
Studies have found microplastics in fish, particularly in the parts of the fish people consume.
Earth.org writes: “As reef fish make up a large portion of the local diet, including popular dishes like poke, natives have unwittingly increasingly consumed plastic.”
While there is no definitive evidence on the health effects of plastic consumption in humans, experts warn that plastic waste could end up on people’s plates.
Dr. Britta Baechler, director of plastics research at Ocean Conservancy, says she’s dedicated her life to protecting oceans from plastic pollution.
“Saving the oceans is essentially saving the world if you look at it that way,” she said.
Those who oppose the measure believe the fund is already stretched thin and diverting money would hurt other priorities.
Lee emphasized the need for more resources to address the growing pollution problem.
“You’ve got more plastic and microplastics and all kinds of other stuff on our shores and in our water, in greater numbers than ever before,” said Lee, who believes additional funding is crucial, as the current efforts rely on volunteer work.
For some, protecting our oceans means preserving Hawaiian culture.
“The oceans are our lifeline here; without them, the way of life here is gone,” said Dorothea De La Cruz, a University of Hawaii student.
The Senate Committee on Water and Land deferred the measure.
