HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0489.486 2018-2020 •
COUNTY CLERK
COUNTY OF HAWAII
RECEIVED
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SEED PO Box 1177 Koloa HI 96756
808.652.5286 hawaiiSEED.org November 19, 2019
In Support of Bill 101 to that would prohibit the use of toxic pesticides and herbicides on all county owned
parks, roads, bikeways, sidewalks, trails, drainageways, and waterways.
Dear Hawaii County Council,
Hawai'i SEED strongly supports a bill that would prohibit the use of toxic pesticides and herbicides on all
county owned parks, roads, bikeways, sidewalks,trails, drainageways, and waterways. Many island groups,
especially Hawai'i County, have worked on this issue for well over a decade and we are proud and inspired by
the leadership of your council and the potential to influence the neighbor islands to follow and learn from
your bold lead!
We can not put a price on the cost of our communal health and environment. As production of commercial
alternatives for large and small Organic Land Management expands, the cost is dropping. What we invest in
now we appreciate in the future. It is important to support these changes now, so that the market can grow
and spread. What we do here in our home base will impact and lead others to follow on a large scale. These
positive and cleaner alternatives are good for everyone, especially at the critical climate change point we are
currently in. Everything must be done to ensure that pollution is reduced. If everyone does their part, the end
result will bring exponential positive change. We really must overlook initial investment and focus on the
outcome. Everyone must strive towards a win/win outcome. Be a proud leader, it is time to think and a
beyond the status quo. It can only benefit us, (physically and economically), and benefit future generations.
Organic land management is attractive in a multitude of ways; residential health, soil, water, air, economic
industry, visitor perception, groundskeeper workplace safety, and safer parks and roadways.
When we look at the threat to native fauna and flora, domestic animals, and especially our endangered bird
species, now is the time to ensure a healthy critical habitat. Let us all join to work on the multiple
contaminants for a more thriving eco-system for our future.
As we all see, glyphosate has long been touted as "safe", when in fact after many years the severe detrimental
consequences have now been confirmed by the World Health Organization, epidemiologists and the court
awards by jury decisions.
In 2013, Hawai'i SEED brought Dr. Don Huber to Kaua'i to educate policy makers and the public on the dangers
of glyphosate. The harm of glyphosate has been known and studied for quite some time. Please revkw Q'ur
Comm. N INg-lt
Ref. To: VI(UAW
Ref. Date NOV 2 0 2019
summary interview from the University.pf,Hawaii Kauai Community College presentation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?u-'-jk_QzaCaFsY_..
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Dr. Huber is a well published Retired Colonel serving the Armed Forces Medical Intelligence Center, past
Chairman of the USDA-APS National Plant Disease Recovery System, a member of the US Threat Pathogens
Committee, Office of the Surgeon General Global Epidemiology Working Group, and Professor Emeritus of
Botany and Plant Pathology at Purdue University.
Dr. Huber's agricultural research, finding less than sufficient nutrient levels, may indicate excessive negative
effects on soil biology essential for nutrient cycling, soil structure, and symbiotic nutrition. Research found
serious soilborne plant pathogens associated with glyphosate, especially its problematic purpose to block
magnesium uptake.
If glyphosate is not translocated to the roots because of stem boring insects or disruption of the vascular
system, aerial parts of the plant may be stunned, but the plant is not killed. We witness this by the need to go
back and re-apply the chemical. Elimination of this practice, with the introduction of organic management
practices can result in a monetary savings in toxic purchasing, while increasing the safety of workers.
Roundup can also persist for years. It can influence plant nutrition and disease. Although glyphosate can be
immobilized in soil (also spray tank mixtures and plants), it is not readily degraded and can accumulate for
years (both in soils and perennial plants. Accumulation in food and feed products enter the food chain.
Establishing a Vegetation Management Transition Committee is a very proactive way to guide the conversion
to organic practices, and may be accomplished sooner with the help of organic farmers and other experts who
currently practice these preferred methods.
Toxic pesticides and herbicides are harmful to human and environmental health. Organic land management
practices can replace the use of chemicals and allow us to be better stewards of the land.
Mahalo for your leadership in addressing this forward thinking, top of mind concern, and socially viable
subject that will advance the protection of the environment on Hawai'i Island. This action will lead to national
exposure of highly publicized subject. These actions will show the care and compassion your council has for
the 'aina, its people, plants, animals, and the visitors.
With sincere gratitude,
Jeri Di Pietro, President
Hawaii SEED
PO Box 1177
Koloa, HI 96756
(808) 651-1332
hawaiiseed.org
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