‘Wayfinders’ tells the story of Honolulu’s single-use plastic ban and the dedicated group of diverse people who navigated the tricky political climate to facilitate a monumental win for the environment. After ten years of effort, and a collaborative movement that spread across the island and then the world thanks to social media, the most comprehensive single-use plastic ban in the world was finally signed into law in December 2019. Despite numerous hurdles, this movement never stopped, in fact, it only grew stronger with time as more individuals found their way to get involved. As with all groundbreaking legislation, one local government has to do it first, and once it passes, the proof of possibility allows others to follow. Oahu was fortunate enough to be a leader, navigating the way towards change. While chronicling this process, the COVID-19 pandemic erupted which increased single-use plastic use and manufacturing exponentially- threatening the fate and strength of this momentous law. Against all odds, this group of people stayed their course, guided by a relationship with nature, determined to find a better way forward for our future generations.

In order to understand a bit about why this film was made and the intent for this film, check out my personal statement video! My goal has always been to inspire change. As a child and even up until recently, it was just through my behavior and talking to people, because I thought that was all I could do. Moving to Hawaii ultimately allowed me to meet a mentor and then an entire community of folks who also wanted to inspire change but knew many ways to go about it. While it's great to think we can inspire each business and each person to alter their behavior, the reality is that we cant and sometimes legislation is a necessary component and the only way to make systemic change. So along came a single use plastic ban. This story is intended to let everyone out there know that what they do can and does make a difference. They can be a part of a systemic change by getting involved with grassroots organizations that are helping good politicians fight these complex battles. Change is a collaborative effort and our leaders need our help- no matter who you are and what experience you have- there is always a place for you and a way for you to make a difference.

We wanted to find a simple, creative, and fun way to address a very serious issue- the production and management of single-use plastic. This was created as part of a larger film we are working on through Kahana Foundation called kNOw Plastics

An inside look at part of NBI's 2019 Getting to Zero Forum.

Witness some of Hawaii's most influential youth taking to the stage and fighting for all things climate!

An inside look of the contents of Honolulu's Bill 40.

In 2019, advocates and businesses came together to hold a press conference at Honolulu's city hall in support of Bill 40, what went on to be the most comprehensive single use plastic ban in the USA.

Protea Zero Waste Store opened one month ago and is the first bricks and mortar zero waste store in the state of Hawai'i. They have everything you need to kick start a zero waste lifestyle in your home and every day living.