Action Alert: Protect Our Keiki from Pesticide Drift!
In 2018 Hawaiʻi made great strides in protecting our communities from pesticide drift by passing the first in the nation ban of the neurotoxic pesticide, chlorpyrifos. In addition to banning this pesticide known to cause permanent neurological damage in children, Act 45 provided disclosure of restricted use pesticide (RUP) usage for the first time in Hawaiʻi as well as 100’ RUP buffer zones around schools during school hours.
2019 marked the first year RUP reporting data became publicly available. Analysis of this data has revealed that many communities are still heavily exposed to drift prone pesticides. 100’ buffer zones are simply not supported by scientific research. Research has shown that certain pesticides are known to drift over a mile and cause health impacts. Keiki are particularly vulnerable to pesticide exposure and we must prioritize their health.
Additionally, the way the pesticide data is currently reported does not provide enough information to assess risk.
Support SB352 SD1: Increased RUP Buffer Zone’s + RUP Reporting
What Does This Bill Do?
Requires the Department of Agriculture to use consistent units of measurement in its summary to the public on the amounts of restricted use pesticides used. Establishes a one-half mile buffer zone for pesticides around schools and state and county public parks.
Why Is This Important? Sample Testimony:
Aloha Chair Rhoads, Chair Dela Cruz and Members of the Committees,
Please support SB352 SD1. An abundance of scientific literature on pesticide drift and the unique susceptibility of children to pesticide exposure provide a sound argument for establishing meaningful buffer zones to ensure even protections for communities, children, elderly and sensitive areas.
Analysis of restricted use pesticide (RUP) usage data in Hawaiʻi has revealed that many communities are still heavily exposed to drift prone pesticides. 100’ buffer zones are simply not supported by scientific research. Research has shown that certain pesticides are known to drift over a mile and cause health impacts. Keiki are particularly vulnerable to pesticide exposure and we must prioritize their health.
California has enacted similar legislation requiring pesticide buffer zones around schools, the farmworkers and communities living near agricultural areas, yet still maintains the most robust agricultural production and economy in the US. Hawaii can both meet its goals to increase local food production and protect our most vulnerable from pesticide drift.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) finds there to be a significantly increased health risk for children exposed to pesticides, and additional precautions must be taken to protect them from unintended exposure.
I am very concerned about long-term pesticide exposure of keiki while they are at school or at play in our parks, which constitutes a health threat that can lead to cancer, neurological, and respiratory damage, among other medical conditions.
Please protect our keiki and pass SB352 SD1.
Mahalo for your consideration!
Your Name, Town
Mahalo for taking action!
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Mahalo for taking action!
