HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0491.100 2020-2022 ill a f
COUNTY CLERK comm.Ml
COUNTY OF 1H
ponr 1011 DEC 21 AN D 07
December 21,2021
Re:Bill No.91,An ordinance amending chapter 15,Hawai'i County Code 1983(2016 edition,as
amended)by adding a new article 12 prohibiting use of glyphosate-based pesticides in county parks
and recreational facilities.
Dear Council Chairwoman Malie David and members of the Hawaii County Council,
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on Bill No.91.We support and promote science-based policy
and regulatory processes necessary in the regulation of pesticide products at both the state and federal
level.In addition to the extensive review and approval process the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA)applies to pesticides,the Hawaii Department of Agriculture also reviews and evaluates pesticides
before they are registered or used in the state.This promotes consistency with federal regulation and
scientific standards,particularly those for human and environmental health and safety.We do not support
action through legislation to restrict applications of glyphosate on county parks and places of recreation.
Given that glyphosate has been registered for use by both the State of Hawaii and the federal govermnent
we ask that you vote no on Bill No.91.
Glyphosate is one of the most widely studied herbicides on the market,with more than 40 years on the
market and 800 safety studies submitted to regulators in over 150 countries.No regulatory agency in the
world has concluded that glyphosate is a carcinogen. The U.S.EPA reaffirmed its findings in January
2020 that"there are no risks of concern to human health when glyphosate is used in accordance with its
current label.EPA also found that glyphosate is unlikely to be a human carcinogen."'
The safe application of glyphosate keeps public parks,sports fields,roadsides,utility rights of way,
sidewalks,trails,and public parks free of noxious,poisonous,fire-fueling and invasive weeds,which
have the potential to degrade infrastructure.Hawaii landscapers and other pesticide applicators use
glyphosate to treat several major species of weeds which have been found in the county. To keep our
native species safe,it's important to utilize all tools available to manage plant growth in Hawaii,invasive
and otherwise.
The unique ecosystems located on county lands need to be effectively managed to reduce the spread of
invasive plants and protect native species unique to the island. To keep the greenspaces in the county
parks and places of recreation safe and free of weeds,glyphosate must be an accessible pesticide available
to those who manage those lands.
Thank you for your consideration and for the opportunity to share our perspective on this legislation.At
this time,we ask for the Council to vote Na on Bill No 91.
Sincerely,
Jon Gaeta
Director, State Affairs
RISE(Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment)
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