Reusable foodware program launches in Hilo on Nov. 9
The sustainability program was designed with input from more than 4,500 community members and more than 100 businesses over two years.
A city-wide municipal reuse system – the Hoʻi Returnable Dish Program – is launching in Hilo on Nov. 9.
Administered by the County of Hawaiʻi Department of Environmental Management, the voluntary program is funded by $2.1 million in U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grants and $1.8 million in private contributions, and will be operated by VYTAL, a global reuse service provider.
“We know that residents and businesses want more options for reducing waste,” said Mayor Kimo Alameda. “Hoʻi is designed to offer an alternative to single-use containers that supports our economy and keeps trash out of our landfill.”
The new program eliminates the need for single-use containers by providing participating businesses with stainless-steel food and drink containers that customers return to any of the many public return points around town. Items are collected, washed, inspected and redistributed — creating a circular system that reduces dependence on disposable foodware.
“Our mission is to make reuse effortless and mainstream,” said Dr. Tim Breker, founder and president of VYTAL. “This partnership is a meaningful opportunity to make reuse the community default — good for businesses, people, and ocean ecosystems alike.”
The program was designed with input from more than 4,500 community members and more than 100 businesses over two years, led by Zero Waste Hawaiʻi Island and Perpetual, in collaboration with the Hawaiʻi County Department of Environmental Management and The University of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant College Program.
“Hoʻi means ‘to return,'” said Kuʻulei Keawekane, Zero Waste Hawaiʻi Island’s cultural advisor. “The name reflects both the journey of the containers and the community’s desire to return to our original way of caring for the land and each other.”
“This initiative uplifts community wellness while addressing the urgent problem of plastic pollution. It’s about building a healthier future for our families and our island,” added Jennifer Navarra, Zero Waste Hawaiʻi Island program director.
In preparation for the launch, community members will see the outdoor return points getting installed around Hilo. A map of the installed return points can be found on the Hoʻi Returnable Dish program website.
For businesses, the cost to participate in the program is comparable to compostable packaging. Consumers pay nothing to use the stainless steel containers unless they do not return them within seven days.
“This pioneering program will demonstrate the potential for infrastructure-backed reuse systems at scale to deliver what communities want – convenient, safe food and drinks – without the things they don’t want: waste and pollution in their community,” said Ellie Moss, co-founder and co-executive director of Perpetual.
The businesses that are participating in the launch of the program include Cupcakes Boom!, Sweet Cane Cafe, Hilo Burger Joint, Kalo and Cream, Anuenue on the Bay, Big Island Smokehouse, Island Naturals, Mohala’s Bayfront Fish and Chips, and Keaukaha General Store.
To learn more about how Hoʻi works, the pick up locations and participating businesses visit Hoʻi Return website. For businesses, schools or institutions interested in participating in the program, fill out the contact form here or email outreach@hoi-return.com.
Customers can choose Hoʻi containers free of charge, as long as they return the items within 7 days. Customers return the checked-out containers to any of the public Return Points or at any participating business. For businesses, the cost is comparable to compostable packaging. Hoʻi means “to return” in Hawaiian — a nod both to returning the containers and to honoring traditional ways of caring for the land.
