REP CRNRMC 001 2021/11/17 (2020-2022)

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REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON CLIMATE RESILIENCE AND NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT DATE: November 17, 2021 Re: Comm. No. 491/Bill No. 91 PLACE: Council Chambers Kailua-Kona, Hawaii TIME: 2:00 p.m. Council Chair and Members Hawaii County Council Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Your Committee on Climate Resilience and Natural Resource Management, to which was referred Bill No. 91, reports as follows: Bill No. 91, submitted by Council Member Rebecca Villegas via Communication No. 491, dated October 27, 2021, amends Chapter 15, Hawaii County Code 1983 (2016 edition, as amended), by adding a new Article 12 prohibiting the use of glyphosate-based pesticides in County parks and recreational facilities. This bill prohibits the use of glyphosate-based pesticides by the County or its contractors in County parks and facilities listed in Section 15-68.1 of the Hawaii County Code, effective July 1, 2022. And provides certain exemptions, including the Hilo Municipal Golf Course, Hilo Drag Strip, and County cemeteries. Committee Member Tim Richards expressed concern with languge in Section 1. "Purpose" as written. Corporation Counsel Elizabeth Strance was called forward who shared similar concerns, stating the prohibited use of glyphosate-based pestiscides will not be a County-wide ban because other departments in the County will continue use of the chemical in other areas. Based on concerns expressed with the current language in Bill 91, introducer Committee Chair Villegas stated she would work with Corporation Counsel on language specific to the "Purpose" that would eliminate the potential for liability suits against the County. The vote was taken on the motion to move this measure to Council with a favorable recommendation and passed with seven "ayes." Committee Member Tim Richards voted "no" and Committee Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder was absent and excused. CRNRMC Report No.: I