Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SR61

Introduced
3/10/22  
Refer
3/11/22  
Report Pass
3/31/22  

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Agriculture To Submit A Report On Pesticide Inspections Conducted Within The Past Five Years And Strengthen Statewide Enforcement Of Restricted Use Pesticide Violations.

Impact

The resolution aims to reinforce compliance with existing pesticide regulations by ensuring that routine inspections occur more frequently and that violators face stricter repercussions. The report should include findings that could inform potential legislative changes, reflecting the need for more robust regulatory oversight. This aligns with recent issues where agricultural operations faced legal action and fines due to hazardous pesticide usage practices, indicating a systemic problem within the state's agricultural sector.

Summary

Senate Resolution 61 (SR61) requests the Hawaii Department of Agriculture to compile a report on pesticide inspections carried out over the past five years and to enhance the enforcement of regulations concerning restricted use pesticides. This resolution addresses significant public health and environmental safety concerns stemming from the misuse of pesticides. The background highlights serious incidents where mismanagement of pesticides has led to health risks for farm workers and nearby residents, including hospitalization due to exposure and the contamination of local ecosystems.

Contention

One of the core points of contention is the degree to which the regulations are enforced and the repercussions for non-compliance. Several instances in the resolution cite previous violations where relatively lenient penalties did not deter future misuse of pesticides. This raises questions about whether existing legislation is sufficient to protect public health and the environment or if more stringent laws and enforcement mechanisms are necessary. In this context, the call for stricter oversight and enforcement reflects a growing concern among lawmakers and the public regarding agricultural practices and their impacts.

Companion Bills

HI HR22

Same As Requesting The Department Of Agriculture To Submit A Report On Pesticide Inspections Conducted Within The Past Five Years And Strengthen Statewide Enforcement Of Restricted Use Pesticide Violations.

HI SCR67

Same As Requesting The Department Of Agriculture To Submit A Report On Pesticide Inspections Conducted Within The Past Five Years And Strengthen Statewide Enforcement Of Restricted Use Pesticide Violations.

Previously Filed As

HI SCR67

Requesting The Department Of Agriculture To Submit A Report On Pesticide Inspections Conducted Within The Past Five Years And Strengthen Statewide Enforcement Of Restricted Use Pesticide Violations.

Similar Bills

HI SB351

Relating To Pesticides.

HI HB1284

Relating To Pesticides.

HI SB3316

Relating To Pesticides.

HI SB1011

Relating To Pesticides.

HI SB1011

Relating To Pesticides.

HI HB253

Relating To Pesticides.

HI HB253

Relating To Pesticides.

HI HB2646

Relating To Pesticides.