Citywide Reusable Programs

At the end of 2025, Hawai’i County Council passed Bill 83, mandating that food providers transition to reusable serviceware or certified compostable alternatives, and Ho'i is a first-of-its-kind, citywide reusable serveware program in the city of Hilo. Named after the word for "return," Ho'i was made possible in partnership with the city, county and the University of Hawai'i Sea Grant.

When ordering a meal or drink, a customer borrows a returnable stainless steel vessel that can be returned to a Ho'i Return Pointsbin throughout the city. From there, the containers are washed, sanitized, and returned to businesses for reuse and dramatically reduce waste on Hawai’i Island. More than decreasing single-use foodware waste, this initiative is expected to reduce community-wide exposure to microplastics and create local jobs, all while offering cost-per-use pricing comparable to disposable alternatives.