HONOLULU — The state House Finance Committee passed a bill Wednesday that includes an amendment that would prohibit the use of chlorpyrifos beginning Jan. 1, 2019, but provides an exemption for farmers for a three-year period if they provide public disclosure.
HONOLULU — The state House Finance Committee passed a bill Wednesday that includes an amendment that would prohibit the use of chlorpyrifos beginning Jan. 1, 2019, but provides an exemption for farmers for a three-year period if they provide public disclosure.
Finance Chair Sylvia Luke also proposed that large commercial agricultural businesses that use 35 pounds or 35 gallons of non-diluted, restricted-use pesticides must file an annual report listing the type of restricted-use pesticides used, quantity, and location of the use.
Senate Bill 3095 SD1 will next go to the full House for a vote.
“I believe the proposed amendments help to address concerns raised by various stakeholders and reflect a compromise on how to move forward as a state,” wrote state Rep. Nadine Nakamura, a Democrat from Kapaa.
The bill also calls for:
w No spraying of pesticides within 100 feet of every school during school instructional hours;
w Increasing the Pesticide Revolving Fund cap from $250,000 to $1 million to give the state Department of Agriculture resources for outreach and education, and to hire two additional full-time employees.
“This bill attempts to protect students in our schools, promote responsible use of pesticides, address human health concerns and give the state Department of Agriculture additional tools to do their work,” Nakamura said.
