HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0489.246 2018-2020 n F i
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From: Maya Parish
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To: Council Testimonyn ` "°' a l` 0 lr�
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Cc: Eoff Karen Poindexter,Valerie;Chung,Aaron;Lee Lov,Sue;Kierkiewid As le Kanealii-Kleinfelder,Matt;
David,Maile;Villegas,Rebecca;Richards.Tim
Subject: Testimony in support of Bill 101
Date: Monday,October 14,2019 1:35:29 PM
Aloha,
I am writing in strong support of Bill 101,which prohibits the use of certain prohibited
herbicides on County owned or maintained parks and alongside County roads, bikeways,
sidewalks,trails, drainage ways, and waterways; and creates a transition committee to research
and develop alternative methods of vegetation management.
I thank Council Member Villegas for bringing this bill forward.
This action on the part of the county is overdue and absolutely critical. We cannot keep
poisoning our land,waters,air, animals, and residents.Anyone who might cite cost as a factor
not to vote in favor of this bill would do well to consider the ethical cost of knowingly
poisoning our ecosystems and people, especially the children,whose developing systems are
more vulnerable to these toxins. As I
understand it,the financial cost argument of using
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toxic chemicals vs. other land management techniques has also been disproven.
Honestly,I wish this bill were more far reaching-I wish it applied to lessees of county land as
well.I also urge the Council to consider an amendment to shorten the transition period. Four
years seems way too long- if there is a will and strong leadership on the part of the County
Council, it seems entirely plausible that the transition period away from the use of toxic
chemicals could be much shorter.
The recent large court settlements in favor of victims of RoundUp whose health has been
compromised by this product should be a cautionary tale to a county whose agencies continue
to use these chemicals in public spaces when the science clearly demonstrates their toxicity
and adverse health effects. The county could be held liable as a result of the continued use of
these products. That would be infinitely more expensive than switching over as immediately
as possible to other proven land/weed management techniques such as steam, grazing animals,
planting ground cover etc.
Mahalo for your time and consideration.
Maya Parish
Hawi
Comm. No. 44'1
Ref. To:D J tate+W
Ref. Date OCT'1 5 2019