Plastic bag ban draws gripes

Kauai food service establishments are complaining to the Kauai County Council that the takeout food they sell is breaking through paper bags they use to comply with the county’s new ban on plastic bags.

Councilman Dickie Chang says food spilling from takeout containers breaks through paper bags.

Councilman Mel Rapozo told The Garden Island newspaper he plans to draft an amendment to exempt food service establishments from the law.

Rapozo says restaurants have also called him with concerns about food safety. He says they are worried food-borne bacteria could transfer to food from reusable bags that customers bring in.

The county’s ban on plastic bags went into effect Jan. 11. Maui County has a similar ban. 

Water lines to be replaced

Kauai County is advising motorists of two pipeline replacement projects that will last for most of the year.

BCP Construction of Hawaii will replace about 6,870 feet of water lines in Lihue, as well as such fixtures as valves and fire hydrants along portions of Eiwa, Umi, Akahi, Elua and Hardy streets, and Alohi, Uiki and Lalei places.

In Wailua, Koga Engineering and Construction will replace about 2,250 feet of water lines and fixtures along Ohana, Anolani, and Wailua roads and portions of Kuamoo Road and Lehia Lane.

The projects are part of Water Plan 2020, a comprehensive, long-range planning effort.

For more information, call the Department of Water at 245-5455.