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November 15, 2021 1021 NOV 1
Aloha County Council Members,
Mahalo to Councilwoman Villegas for introducing Bill 91 that continues the public conversation about
limiting use of glyphosate-based pesticides by the County or it's contractors in County parks and facilities
listed in Section I5-68.
It is a well-known and proven fact that these products don't just kill plants and soil microorganisms, they
adversely affect all life that comes into contact with them, including but not limited to Non-Hodgkins
Lymphoma, increased risk of other cancers, respiratory problems, even at low exposure acts as an
endocrine disrupter in mammals altering normal functions,
htlps://wv,Tw.nature.com/articles/s4l598-020-67538-w
We know that our children frequent parks and public places and so this bill offers protection to our most
vulnerable, and will certainly win support with their mothers!
The three exemptions seem reasonable,but I would guess private golf courses,would object to not also
receiving that exemption. On the West side of Hawai'i island, most courses are along the ocean, adding
an additional level of concern as the substance would mitigate into the shoreline environment and do
additional damage. Completely organic golf courses are possible, but exceedingly rare. Perhaps the best
known example is the Vineyard Golf Course in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts,which has replaced
pesticides entirely with"bio-stimulants"and organic fertilizers. If the Hilo Municipal Golf Course could
actually succeeds in eliminating herbicides, it will join such a rare elite that the fact it is herbicide-free
could become a tourist draw just like the Vineyard course. Something to consider.
Also, if any Council Members object to this Bill on the grounds that it will lead to wider bans for
agricultural usage, they should consider the more positive aspects of this Bill. The Country of Hawai'i
wishing to become more "sustainable" and be an example for agricultural systems could pioneer the use
of other"practices"or "organic substances"of which there are many new products on the
market. Contact Organics is one such company. Powerpoint attached, and product video
link: haps://vimeo.com/612324103
Recent studies have shown that glyphosate can affect the gut bacteria of honeybees, making them more
susceptible to infections, and may be affecting their ability to navigate. This all may be at least a
contributing factor to colony collapse disorder,which has been affecting the bee population
worldwide. There are also many emerging studies on how glyphosate affects the but bacteria of the
human being. See: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/11/201120095858.htm
Considering all aspects of this Bill, I urge the Council to pass Bill 91, and create a timeline for
implementation as soon as possible.
Mahalo and Aloha for all you do for all of us,
Nancy Redfeather and Gerry Herbert
Kawanui Farm
www.kawanuifarm.or
www.hawaiiseed,growersnetwork.com
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