#pesticides

Parks officials claim organic products approved for use haven’t been working well at the golf course, but one council member says they’ve had three years to get into compliance.

The US Environmental Protection Agency has ordered the emergency suspension on the use of the pesticide dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA or Dacthal) under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act.

The Pesticides Branch of the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture is extending its free pesticide disposal program to the island of Moloka‘i in June. The registration deadline is Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at 4:30 p.m.  So far, the PDP program has collected pesticides on O‘ahu totaling 7,700 pounds, Kaua‘i, almost 4,000 pounds, Maui, more than 7,100 pounds, and Hawai‘i Island, more than 7,300 pounds.

Residents wanting to dispose of household hazardous waste can do so at an upcoming event on Sunday, April 7, 2024. The event is by appointment only and the deadline to set an appointment is on March 28.

Governor Josh Green, M.D. on Wednesday signed bills into law aimed at supporting local agriculture. The measures also seek to enhance local food production through the acquisition of the Wahiawā Irrigation System. The legislation attempts to remove barriers to farming and enhance present and future public health and safety by increasing penalties for pesticide violations.

A study is now underway using absorbent bands to detect organic pollutants at 18 sites around West and South Maui. The bands used in the study can absorb chemicals over a period of time, as opposed to traditional sampling methods that offer information from a limited snapshot in time.

The Maui County Council voted unanimously this week to pass Bill No. 72, which allows only pesticides and fertilizers that are compatible with organic systems and permitted under the USDA National Organic Program to be used on County property.

Duane Sparkman, an engineer and landscaping manager at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, will be offering a  free  talk to explain how  community members can  use non-harmful pest and weed control methods for their homes, businesses, and landscaping. 

State agencies collaborate to resolve soil contamination issues at 18 schools on Hawai‘i Island and build awareness to prevent exposure.

The Department of Environmental Management will hold a free hazardous household waste collection event on March 24. Residents interested in dropping off hazardous household items are required to schedule an appointment with the department by March 15. According to the department, residents will be expected to disclose the estimated types and quantities of waste they […]

Maui County Councilmember Elle Cochran has coordinated what is being called Maui’s first-ever large scale training series on landscape pesticide alternatives.

A special panel of three judges from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments in Honolulu today on an appeal filed by The SHAKA Movement.

The Department of Water Supply is seeking public input on the Wellhead Protection project on Lanai.  The project was initiated to protect the wells that supply drinking water to the community. Drinking water wells can become contaminated by common activities such as pouring motor oil and household chemicals down drains, using too much pesticides or […]

The Hawai`i State Department of Health (DOH) is advising the public to wash produce thoroughly to help prevent exposure to pesticides, bacteria, and parasites.  The DOH identified six probable cases of illness caused by angiostongylus, or rat lung worm in 2008.  All individuals were residents of the island of Hawai`i and regularly ate fresh raw […]