HONOLULU -- Hawaii state lawmakers are considering a proposal that would force customers to pay more at the grocery store.

Legislators on Tuesday heard a proposal to charge shoppers 20 cents for each plastic bag customers receive at checkout. The money would go into the state's general fund.

The bags are damaging to the environment and especially harmful to marine life, supporters of the bill said.

Shoppers at Kokua Market had mixed feelings about the idea.

"Already they are charging us a lot for groceries itself. I think that I don't agree with it," Tracie Okuma said.

"I think it is a good idea, 20 cents is a little high," Sandra Lee said.

Supporters said they want to charge 20 cents even for bio-degradable bags already used in some stores because even those bags do not always break down in landfills.

The goal of the bill is to have everyone eventually use reusable bags.

Members of the House Environment Committee are expected to approve the plastic bag tax bill on Thursday.