Big Island major Billy Kenoi has signed legislation banning stores from providing plastic bags to shoppers, the Hawaii Tribune Herald reports.

A frequent surfer, Kenoi acknowledged that plastic bags can become unwelcome litter and also threaten marine mammals that mistake them for food.

However, Kenoi said he also agrees with bill opponents who feel charging for plastic bags, education and voluntary recycling are better solutions than government mandates for addressing littering issues.

More shoppers have switched to reusable bags, while charging for plastic bags could help businesses financially and provide money for cleanup programs, he added.

The paper reports that some island business owners have complained that replacement paper bags cost twice as much and take up more storage space. 

The state legislature will also be picking up the issue this session with a bill that would levy fees for both plastic and paper bags.