HI HR22

Department of Agriculture requested to submit a report on pesticide inspections conducted within the past five years and recommendations to strengthen statewide enforcement of restricted use pesticide violations

Report must include findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation, due to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2023

Resolution cites multiple documented cases of pesticide misuse in Hawaii, including a 2016 incident on Kauai where 10 workers were hospitalized after exposure to restricted use organophosphate insecticide and subsequent federal penalties totaling millions of dollars

Highlights concern that current state law allows commercial and private pesticide applicators to receive only a written warning for first offense violations, regardless of whether injury or illness resulted

Certified copies to be transmitted to the Governor, Director of Health, Chairperson of the Board of Agriculture, and Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources