Kaua’i Council bans disposable polystyrene bodyboards under Bill 2976

The Kaua‘i County Council approved Bill 2976 on Wednesday, banning non-durable materials such as polystyrene foam found in disposable bodyboards, a measure aimed at reducing plastic pollution and protecting marine ecosystems.

Bill 2976, introduced in October by Councilmember Fern Holland, would make it illegal to sell, rent, or distribute bodyboards made from non-durable materials, such as polystyrene foam, typically sold at Walmart. Polystyrene foam is commonly used on inexpensive bodyboards that are often left broken or discarded along shorelines.

The measure passed in the Council Chambers at the Historic County Building in Līhu‘e after weeks of public testimony and committee review.

“This bill is a meaningful step toward protecting our beaches, our ocean, and the generations who will rely on these places long after us,” said Holland.

“Disposable bodyboards break apart quickly, leaving behind plastic foam that ends up in our reefs, along our shoreline, and in the bellies of marine life.”

“By shifting toward durable, reusable options, we’re reducing waste, supporting responsible tourism, and honoring our kuleana to care for this place,” she said.

Under the new bill, businesses would be prohibited from selling, renting or distributing ‘disposable bodyboards’ within the County of Kaua’i.

Any establishment that violates the ordinance can be fined $100 for the first violation, and $200 for a second violation within the same year. The bill will become effective one year after it is signed by the mayor.

Holland added, “Mahalo nui to everyone who testified, reached out, and supported this effort. Your voices helped push this forward.”

Residents who would like to learn more about Bill 2976 can click here.