STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1270

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    H.B. No. 673

       H.D. 2

       S.D. 2

 

 

 

Honorable Donna Mercado Kim

President of the Senate

Twenty-Seventh State Legislature

Regular Session of 2013

State of Hawaii

 

Madam:

 

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 673, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO PESTICIDES,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to better address the potential public health and environmental issues related to restricted use pesticides by requiring the Department of Agriculture to publish on its website the public information contained in all restricted use pesticide records, reports, or forms submitted to the Department.

 

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from two members of the Kauai County Council, Hawaii Oasis, Hawaii Farmer's Union United, Hawaii SEED and GMO Free Kauai, Hookipa Network-Kauai, Kauai Rising, Kanaka Freedom, and fifty-seven individuals.  The Molokai Farm Bureau and one individual submitted written comments in opposition to this measure.  The Hawaii Pest Control Association and three individuals submitted written comments.

 

     Your Committee finds that there are concerns within the community about the effects that pesticide exposure may have on the health and wellness of community members.  Your Committee believes that by requiring publication of certain information about restricted use pesticides, concerned community members will be better informed regarding the types of restricted use pesticides being used in their area, thereby enabling them to take necessary precautions against the possible harmful side effects of pesticide exposure.

 

     Your Committee has amended this measure by making technical nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 673, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 673, H.D. 2, S.D. 2.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

 

 

 

____________________________

DAVID Y. IGE, Chair