Requesting The Department Of Agriculture To Examine Organic Pesticides For Authorized Use In The State.
Impact
SCR138 aims to equip local farmers in Hawaii with safer and more sustainable options for pest control. By encouraging research into organic pesticides currently licensed in Hawaii and those not yet authorized, the resolution seeks to enhance agricultural practices while minimizing damage to the environment. This initiative is particularly significant given the increasing challenges posed by agricultural diseases and invasive species, which threaten the sustainability of Hawaii's agricultural sectors.
Summary
Senate Concurrent Resolution 138 (SCR138) requests the Hawaii Department of Agriculture to examine organic pesticides for authorized use in the state. The resolution acknowledges the rising popularity of organic pesticides as a viable alternative to conventional synthetic options, which are often criticized for their environmental impacts. It highlights that organic pesticides, derived from natural sources, typically break down quicker without leaving harmful residues, thus being more favorable for the ecosystem and non-target species like beneficial insects and pollinators.
Contention
While the resolution is primarily rooted in promoting agricultural health and environmental safety, there could be discussions regarding the effectiveness and reliability of organic pesticides compared to synthetic alternatives. Potential concerns also exist regarding the speed of implementation and the resources available for thorough research and testing of new organic solutions. Some may argue that rigorous standards for the approval of these substances should be maintained to ensure they meet safety benchmarks before being utilized by farmers.
Requesting The Office Of The Auditor To Conduct A Performance Audit Of The Plant Pest Control Branch And Plant Quarantine Branch Within The Plant Industry Division Of The Department Of Agriculture.
Requesting That The Department Of Agriculture Convene An Advisory Commission To Address Certain Issues To Guide Action And Progress In The Agriculture, Aquaculture, And Food Systems Industries Of The State.
Urging The Department Of Agriculture To Establish A Two-year Agricultural Crime Pilot Project To Examine And Assess The Effectiveness Of Prosecuting Agricultural Crime Cases, Including Those Of Agricultural Theft, Vandalism, And Trespass, In The State.
Requesting The Office Of The Auditor To Conduct A Performance Audit Of The Plant Pest Control Branch And Plant Quarantine Branch Within The Plant Industry Division Of The Department Of Agriculture.
Urging The Department Of Agriculture To Establish A Two-year Agricultural Crime Pilot Project To Examine And Assess The Effectiveness Of Prosecuting Agricultural Crime Cases, Including Those Of Agricultural Theft And Agricultural Vandalism, In The City And County Of Honolulu And County Of Kauai.
Urging The Department Of Agriculture To Establish A Two-year Agricultural Crime Pilot Project To Examine And Assess The Effectiveness Of Prosecuting Agricultural Crime Cases, Including Those Of Agricultural Theft, Vandalism, And Trespass, In The State.
Requesting The Board Of Agriculture To Conduct A Study On The Percentages Of Agricultural Lands Being Leased By The State That Are Suitable For Farming And Actively Being Used For Farming Purposes And Certain Dollar Amounts Relating To Lease Transfers.
Requesting The University Of Hawaii To Conduct A Study Evaluating The Feasibility Of Using Mycopesticides As A Method To Control Wasmannia Auropunctata.
Requesting The Department Of Agriculture To Convene A Working Group To Review The Effectiveness Of The Relevant State Laws Governing Agricultural-based Commercial Operations.