City must buy recycled paper unless exceptions apply

(a) Except as otherwise provided under subsection (b), when procuring a paper product, the city shall procure only a recycled paper product. The specifications for any procurement by the city of a paper product shall conform to and implement this section. (b) The city may procure a type and quantity of nonrecycled paper product under the following circumstances: (1) A recycled paper product of the same type and quantity as the nonrecycled paper product is unavailable in Honolulu or cannot be supplied from elsewhere within 30 days of placement of a purchase order; (2) Legal considerations prevent the procurement of a recycled paper product of the same type and quantity as the nonrecycled paper product; and (3) A recycled paper product of the same type and quantity as the nonrecycled paper product is at least 25 percent more expensive than the nonrecycled paper product. For the purpose of this exception, the price of a type and quantity of nonrecycled paper product shall be ascertained by the following: (A) Examination of a price schedule maintained by the city; or (B) If not included in a price schedule, an informal request for a price from at least one supplier selling the type of nonrecycled paper product in Honolulu. If, however, no supplier sells the type of nonrecycled paper product in Honolulu, an informal request for a price shall not be necessary. For the purpose of this subsection, a recycled paper product and nonrecycled paper product shall be deemed the “same type” when both have the same intended use, dimensions, weight, color, and, if applicable, lining, glossiness, and inscription.