A bill to ban the use of Styrofoam takeout food containers passed a hurdle in the state Senate yesterday.

The Senate Energy and Environment Committee advanced Senate Bill 2629, which would prohibit restaurants from using polystyrene foam — also known as Styrofoam — takeout food containers beginning January 2010. The measure has been expanded to include a ban on Styrofoam cups and plates.

Opponents of the bill have said a ban could be a hardship for mom-and-pop restaurants and that it would put Hawai'i employees of companies that make the products out of work. They also say the FDA has approved such products.

But environmentalists and others say Styrofoam contributes to non-biodegradable waste in landfills and to pollution when it's incinerated. They say alternatives to Styrofoam are readily available for use in Hawai'i.

Under the bill, restaurants would only be allowed to use degradable or biodegradable disposable food service containers. Restaurants that violate the ban would be subject to a warning or fines ranging from $100 to $500.

Senate Energy and Environment Committee Chairman Ron Menor, who introduced the bill, yesterday said the measure is still a "work in progress" and that there are a few unresolved issues, such as determining a transition period to give Styrofoam manufacturing companies a chance to retool their business to make alternative products.

"I think a bill like this is needed, and the industry is going to have to make the transition at some point in time," Menor said.

Menor also said he's working on gathering information from the city as to whether other Styrofoam products in addition to the ubiquitous clamshell containers contribute to litter and landfill problems.

The bill would require various state agencies to evaluate the feasibility and potential for producing biodegradable disposable food service ware here and recommend whether the ban should be modified or expanded.

So far the measure doesn't appear to have support from Gov. Linda Lingle's administration. The state Department of Health said it supports the intent of reducing pollution but opposed the bill, saying in part that its effect on the food industry and consumers needs to be examined.

Menor said he is confident there is a supply of alternative products for businesses to use.

Reach Lynda Arakawa at larakawa@honoluluadvertiser.com.