From West Hawaii Today:

Hawaii County residents have a little more than a month before a ban on plastic bags at the store, farmers markets and restaurants begins taking effect.

The measure, passed by the Hawaii County Council late last year, allows businesses another year to charge for plastic bags and permits bags without handles for produce and meat products, as well as small bags for items such as loose nails or jewelry. The ordinance ordered the county’s Environmental Management Department to create specific rules regarding penalties and enforcement procedures. The draft rules include fines starting at $250 for vendors or businesses not complying with the rules.

The ban is set to take effect Jan. 17.

But Maui County’s Environmental Coordinator Rob Parsons said when his county implemented similar rules, the county never needed to fine anyone. And the intended results of stopping the use of plastic bags came to fruition. Read the full story.

And here’s the latest in other neighbor isle gov’t and politics: 

Kauai Council has new formation

Search for missing Maui plane called off

Bakery and deli owner the pilot of missing plane

KHPR pursues Hawaii Island transmitter

New Kauai prosecutor vows to rebuild relationships

Yoshimoto officially takes charge as chairman

Millions going to Maui airport, hospital, school

Invasives from “plants to ants” topic of Thursday Hanapepe talk

Patient satisfaction up at Hilo Medical Center

Kona Community Hospital wish list being created

Nene nesting season begins at Haleakala

Photo courtesy dannyman.