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From: Karen Reardon <kreardon@pestfacts.org>
Sent: Wednesday, November 20, 2019 10:17 AM 7M i'',10V 2 0 ` 3: 5 14
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Hawaii County Bill 101 Testimony of RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound
Environment)
Re: Hawaii County Bill 101, an ordinance amending chapter 14, Hawaii county code 1983 (2016 edition, as
amended), by adding a new article 24, relating to herbicide use -- OPPOSE
Dear Chairman Chung and members of the County Council:
Thank you for the opportunity to share information about the proposed ban on the terrestrial and aquatic uses
of herbicides on public property in Hawaii County.
The negative impacts to people's health and safety, county infrastructure, waterways and ecosystems will be
far reaching and extremely costly to county taxpayers under Bill 101. Residents rely on well maintained and
safe public parks and sports fields, roadways with clear sight lines, beaches and other places that are free of
allergy-causing, poisonous, noxious and nuisance weeds and invasive plants.
The unique ecosystems in the county and need to effectively manage the introduction and spread of invasive
plants and the species they harbor require effective solutions. Those solutions should include the option to
apply Hawaii Department of Agriculture-registered and U.S. EPA-registered herbicide products.
The cost to maintain heavy-use sports fields and other intensely used recreation areas increases significantly
without herbicides. Hawaii County's Parks and Recreation Department forecasts the loss of herbicides in its
maintenance program will increase annual costs for weed and invasive plant management to $14,000,000.
This does not include cost increases for other county-managed, non-park lands, waters and facilities, or
roadsides and rights of way.
The cost difference for aquatic weed management is significant as well: $3,000 per acre using mechanical
control only vs. $250-$600/acre using herbicides. Research has consistently shown that for aquatic weed
management harvesters alone are ineffective for large-scale control of fast growing invasive and noxious
weeds. One crew applying herbicide can cover approximately 10 acres a day, whereas a crew operating a
harvester can clear only one-half acre a day, significantly increasing labor costs on a time and frequency basis.
A 2012 report to the Hawaii Tourism Authority from the University of Hawaii Center for Sustainable Coastal
Tourism estimates that the market valuation for Hawaii's natural resources, tourism infrastructure and facilities,
and tourism related businesses was approximately $8.24B. The report identifies invasive species as a
primary threat to natural resources that support Hawaii's tourism industry.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture lists 97 invasive plants in Hawaii. Seven Hawaii state agencies work on
managing and educating about these weeds and their negative,impacts across the state. Bill 101 effectively
shifts the responsibility and cost of managing invasive terrestrial and aquatic weeds to county residents who
will become the first line of defense if the county stops using herbicides as part of its regular maintenance
programs. Provisions in the bill for very limited emergency herbicide applications means that infestations and
damage will have reached harmful and costly levels before action is taken by the county.
An Integrated Pest Management/Integrated Vegetation Management approach for county property is the best
way to achieve the desired goals of safe and healthy places that are managed cost effectively with judicious
and effective use of herbicides. IPM and IVM systems ensure pests, including invasive plants, can be
managed safely to protect communities and ecosystems. Focusing solely on weed and plant mans ment
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IVM uses all the tools in the pest control toolbox, including monitoring of plant growth, mechanical control,
biological control and pesticide use when established action thresholds have been met. IVM reduces the risk of
invasive and noxious plants becoming a problem in the first place and calls for a specific plan of action to
follow when hazardous, poisonous and unwanted plants reach certain levels.
Uncontrolled terrestrial weeds area public safety issue, creating cracks and instability in roadways, traffic
islands, curb lines, medians, hardscapes, structures and site amenities such as those at parks, sports fields
and tourist attractions. Judicious use of herbicides through an IVM program extends the life of these valuable
community and tourism assets and ensures safe surfaces free of tripping and other hazards. Roadway lines of
site also need to be maintained with herbicides to prevent accidents and to keep road crews safe on steep
inclines and uneven roadside surfaces where mowers and other equipment cannot be safely operated.
Aquatic herbicide applications are necessary to protect water quality, public safety and species habitat. Aquatic
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IVM programs make significant and,measurable contributions to protecting swimmers, protecting boaters in
navigation and recreation areas, preventing flooding, promoting biodiversity and protecting habitat for native
fish and wildlife. The appropriate use of herbicides also supports shoreline stabilization and reduces areas for
mosquito breeding and harborage.
We ask the council to consider the significant public health, ecological and cost factors associated with
removing state-registered pesticides from its weed management program and to support an IVM program that
includes the option to use herbicides when necessary along with other methods as determined by IVM
program-specific criteria.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide information about the importance and benefits of herbicides for
protecting and enhancing county infrastructure and public places. On behalf of our,members and their
consumer and professional customers in Hawaii County, we ask you to oppose Bill 101.
Sincerely,
Karen Reardon
Vice President, Public Affairs ,
RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment)
1156 15th St. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20005
kreardonpestfacts.orci, Tel. Main (202) 872-3860
RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment) is the national trade association representing manufacturers,
formulators, distributors and other industry leaders engaged with specialty pesticide and fertilizer products used by
consumers and professionals.
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