HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP CRNRMC 001 2021/11/17 (2020-2022) 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
CR C-1 Page 2 November 17,2021
Your Committee on Climate Resilience and Natural Resource Management is in accord with the
purpose and intent of Bill No. 91, and recommends its passage on first reading.
ca
AYES NOES ABS EX Respectfully submitted,
CHUNG x
DAVID x COMMITTEE ON CLIMATE
INABA x RESILIENCE AND NATURAL
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER X RESOUP CE M EMENT
KIERKIEWICZ x
KIMBALL x
LEE LOY x REBECCA ILLEGAS, CHAIR
RICHARDS X CRNRMC REPORT NO.: 1
VILLEGAS x ADOPTED: DEC-TS 2-021