HomeMy WebLinkAboutBIL 071 Draft 01 2014-2016OFFICE INFORMATION ONLY
Meeting: Environmental Management Committee— August 8, 2015
Action: Withdrawn by introducer (Wille),
Re: Bill 71; Comm. 392 (2614-2016 term)
COUNTY OF HAWAII
ORDINANCE NO.
STATE OF HAWAII
BILL NO.
71
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 14, HAWAII COUNTY CODE 1983
(2005 EDITION, AS AMENDED), BY ADDING A NEW ARTICLE TO DECREASE
PUBLIC EXPOSURE TO TOXIC HERBICIDES.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Findings. The use of toxic herbicides in public spaces, such as in parks and
along roadsides and sidewalks, subjects unknowing persons and other species to a high risk of
exposure to dangerous chemicals. There is more and more evidence that cumulative exposure to
toxic herbicides, such as those containing glyphosate, is harmful to people as well as to land and
water ecosystems.
Alternative ways to manage weeds in a manner that enhances environmental wellbeing are
available, including manual removal, planting of cover plants that beautify public ways and
roadsides, and other more eco -friendly spray applications.
The scope of this ordinance is limited to County owned or maintained public spaces and
easements and waterways and does not affect the use of herbicides on private property.
The effective date of this ordinance is July 1, 2016, in order to provide a transition period to
determine which alternative weed management practice would be most effective and economical,
as well as using this policy change as an opportunity to partner with organizations in order to
enhance roadway beautification projects.
SECTION 2. Chapter 14, Hawaii County Code 1983 (2005 Edition, as amended), is
amended by adding a new article to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"Article Use of Toxic Pesticides in Hawaii County Parks, Roadways, and
Other County Spaces and Waterways Prohibited.
Section 14- . Purpose.
The purpose of this ordinance is to decrease the exposure of humans, birds, animals,
beneficial insects, and aquatic life to toxic herbicides in public places, roadways, and
waterways.
Section 14- . Definitions.
As used in this article, unless otherwise specified:
"Toxic herbicides" means those agents used to dispose of unwanted plants that are
not deemed to be "eco -friendly," including but not limited to those containing glyphosate,
2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic, atrazine, dioxin, picloram, bipyridinium, diphenyl ether, and
tyrosine breakdown products. All herbicide products that bear a signal label of
"dangerous," "warning," "toxic to fish," or "toxic to fish and wildlife," or that indicate a
risk of groundwater contamination, are included as "toxic herbicides." Herbicide products
with only a signal label of "caution" are excluded from the definition of "toxic herbicides."
Section 14- . Toxic herbicides prohibited.
The use of toxic herbicides is prohibited in all County owned or maintained public
parks and along all County owned or maintained roads, bikeways, sidewalks, trails, and
waterways."
SECTION 3. Severability. If any provision of this ordinance or the application thereof to
any person or circumstance is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or
applications of the ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provision or
application, and to this end, the provisions of this ordinance are declared to be severable.
SECTION 4. This ordinance shall take effect on July 1, 2016.
Hawaii
Date of Introduction:
Date of 1 st Reading:
Date of 2nd Reading:
Effective Date:
REFERENCE Comm. 392
INTRODUCED BY:
COUN IL MEMB , COUNTY OF HAWAII
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