Mayor Michael Victorino signed an emergency proclamation today that suspends the effective date of the Maui County Disposable Foodware Ordinance (No. 5084) until March 1, 2022.

Local businesses affected by the ban on plastic foodware have been concerned about their ability to comply with the ordinance with its original effective date of Jan. 1, 2022.

“I want to support businesses that face enormous challenges in this ongoing pandemic,” Mayor Victorino said. “COVID-related supply chain disruptions have caused severe shortages of supplies and delays in shipping. I have provided this grace period to help businesses survive, while I remain in full support of this ordinance to replace plastic foodware with compostable alternatives.”

The extension of the effective date of the ordinance will allow businesses more time to comply with the new law without being penalized.

The County of Maui Department of Environmental Management will continue to help businesses prepare for full compliance. Several businesses are already using compliant foodware while others have applied for temporary exemptions to allow them time to receive shipments of new products.

The new ordinance bans the sale, use or provision of plastic disposable food service containers and utensils such as plates, trays, bowls, cups and hinged (lunch plate) containers. Other banned items include forks, knives, spoons and straws. Polystyrene foam coolers are also prohibited.

For more information on Plastic Disposable Foodware Ordinance No. 5084, please visit: www.mauicounty.gov/plasticfree.