HONOLULU, Hawaii–Hawaii’s credit unions are acting in concert in response to a ban on plastic shopping bags in the islands.
On Jan. 1, Oahu, the most populated of the Hawaiian islands, became the latest to ban the plastic bags.
In response, the Hawaii Credit Union League has offered a solution for consumers as well as a means of benefiting local children.
Hawaii’s credit unions are selling colorful, durable, reusable shopping bags to raise awareness and funds for Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children through its Kapiolani Children’s Miracle Network. The design theme, “Mauka to Makai—Save the A’ina for the Children,” represents the conservation effort of “going green” by not using plastic shopping bags, according to the HCUL. Art gallery quality scenes representing Mauka (Mountains) and Makai (Ocean) grace the sides of this bag as well as Hawaii’s Credit Unions for Kids brand.
In the fall of 2013, HCUL launched an initiative to help build a new Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children. The unified campaign is called “5 In 5” and the goal is to raise $500,000 in five years.
Since 1998, Hawaii’s credit unions have united to raise funds for Kapiolani through Credit Unions for Kids/Children’s Miracle Network. In that time, over $750,000 has been raised that ultimately benefit the children of Hawaii through the programs and services of Hawaii’s only pediatric intensive care hospital – Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children.
The Hawaii Credit Union League has partnered with locally owned Proforma Favorable Impressions to produce the reusable shopping bags.