THE SENATE

KA ‘AHA KENEKOA

THE THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE

REGULAR SESSION OF 2025

COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT

Senator Mike Gabbard, Chair

Senator Herbert M. "Tim" Richards, III, Vice Chair

COMMITTEE ON ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Rep. Nicole E. Lowen, Chair

Rep. Amy A. Perruso, Vice Chair

COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & FOOD SYSTEMS

Rep. Kirstin Kahaloa, Chair

Rep. Matthias Kusch, Vice Chair

NOTICE OF INFORMATIONAL BRIEFING

DATE:	Monday, February 24, 2025
TIME:	1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
PLACE:	Conference Room 224 & Videoconference State Capitol 415 South Beretania Street
TIMESLOT:	AEN

PHOTO ID REQUIRED FOR ENTRANCE TO THE STATE CAPITOL

BUILDING HOURS: 7AM TO 5PM, MONDAY - FRIDAY

A live stream of all Senate Standing Committee meetings will be available on the Senate YouTube Channel.

A G E N D A

This informational briefing aims to present research findings and highlight concerns regarding the extensive use of Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs) in central Oʻahu and other regions across Hawaiʻi. The application of fumigant pesticides, such as 1,3-Dichloropropene (1,3-D) and Metam Sodium, along with other RUPs like Paraquat, poses significant threats to Hawaiian ecosystems and local communities.

Many of these pesticides are being used throughout Hawaiʻi despite the substantial risks they carry. Recent studies on the human health impacts of pesticide exposure reveal a growing body of evidence demonstrating a wide range of harmful effects. The American Academy of Pediatrics has become particularly concerned about the effects of even low-level exposure on children particularly during their developmental stages.

In addition to human health concerns, there is increasing research on the adverse effects of pesticides on ecosystem functions, food webs, and aquatic life. A significant concern is the role of heavy pesticide use in the widespread decline of pollinators and non-target insect species, contributing to what has been termed the "insect apocalypse." This alarming trend threatens biodiversity and the balance of ecosystems across Hawaiʻi.

This briefing aims to:

• Highlight the research around the impacts of RUP exposure, emphasizing the research on childhood exposure
• Share information about California's pesticide reporting and the use of that data for epidemiology studies
• Present Hawai'i RUP use data for central Oahu
• Provide background on RUP use data reporting and its needed improvements
• Provide information about the fumigant pesticides being used heavily in North Central Oahu
• Foster collaboration among stakeholders to implement protective solutions and better regulation

No public testimony will be accepted.

For special assistance: The cable TV broadcast and/or live stream of this meeting will include closed captioning. If you need an auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability, please call the committee clerk at the telephone number listed below or email AENcommittee@capitol.hawaii.gov. Requests made as early as possible have a greater likelihood of being fulfilled.

FOR AMENDED NOTICES:  Measures that have been deleted are stricken through and measures that have been added are underscored.  If a measure is both underscored and stricken through, that measure has been deleted from the agenda.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL THE COMMITTEE CLERK AT (808) 586-6830.

_____________________________________ Rep. Nicole E. Lowen Chair	_____________________________________ Senator Mike Gabbard Chair
	_____________________________________ Rep. Kirstin Kahaloa Chair