STAND. COM. REP. NO. 44

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 352

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred S.B. No. 352 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO PESTICIDES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Require the Department of Agriculture to use consistent units of measurement in its summary to the public on the amounts of restricted use pesticides applied; and

(2) Establish a one-half mile buffer zone for restricted use pesticides around schools during certain hours and state and county public parks.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Office, of the Mayor of the County of Maui, one member of the Kauai County Council, Hawaiʻi Alliance for Progressive Action, Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United, Green Party of Hawaiʻi, and thirty‑nine individuals.

Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Hawaii Pest Control Association; Hawaii Crop Improvement Association; Land Use Research Foundation of Hawaii; CropLife America; Bowman Termite and Pest Management, LLC; and two individuals.

Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Agriculture.

Your Committee finds that many state residents are especially concerned regarding the negative long-term health impacts of pesticide drift on children. According to peer-reviewed epidemiological research, the one-half mile buffer zone proposed in this measure will help protect the children of the State from the impacts of restricted pesticide use exposure while they are attending school or playing in public parks. This measure seeks to further ensure that the data collected regarding restricted use pesticide application is standardized and that those within highly sensitive areas are protected from the potential negative effects of long-term pesticide exposure.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Amending the implementation date of the one-half mile buffer zone for pesticides to begin on January 1, 2026, rather than January 1, 2025; and

(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture and Environment that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 352, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 352, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committees on Judiciary and Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture and Environment,

________________________________

MIKE GABBARD, Chair