HI SB29

Establishes pesticide buffer zones around sensitive areas (schools, hospitals, child care facilities, watersheds, shorelines, and bodies of water) beginning July 1, 2018, prohibiting outdoor pesticide applications by commercial agricultural entities that use excess amounts of restricted use pesticides annually.

Requires commercial agricultural entities subject to the buffer zone restrictions to identify application sites using geo-referenced mapping, electronic systems, or site markings, and provide certified applicators with site plans depicting sensitive area locations and pesticide-free zones.

Prohibits outdoor pesticide applications by affected commercial agricultural entities and schools/child care facilities when wind speed exceeds limits to be determined by rule, with exemptions available only if pest situation poses immediate threat to health and no viable alternatives exist.

Authorizes the Department of Agriculture to assess fines for violations (amounts to be determined) and allows citizens to bring enforcement actions after 60-day notice, with courts authorized to award reasonable costs and attorney's fees to prevailing plaintiffs.

Requires the Department of Agriculture to adopt implementing rules within 18 months based on input from the Advisory Committee on Pesticides to establish specific amounts of restricted use pesticides, buffer zone distances, and wind speed thresholds.