HILO, Hawai'i — A measure that sought to ban plastic shopping bags on the Big Island lacks enough votes on the County Council to override a veto.

Acting Mayor Dixie Kaetsu vetoed the plastic bag ban, and some members of the County Council planned to try to force the measure into law.

But it appears the veto override attempt can only muster four votes, short of the six favorable votes needed.

The measure was recently approved on a 5-3 vote before the veto.

Councilmembers who supported the ban say plastic bags cause environmental problems, but Kaetsu was concerned it would have a negative effect on nonprofit groups and school organizations that regularly use plastic bags.

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Information from: West Hawaii Today, www.westhawaiitoday.com