The idyllic landscapes of Hawaii hide a growing environmental and public health crisis. Herbicide use on the islands, particularly Kauai, is raising alarms among residents and environmental advocates.

These chemicals, primarily used in agricultural operations, pose significant risks due to their toxicity and propensity to run off into local water sources.

Runoff and Pollution

A federal judge recently ruled that Hawaii's Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC) had polluted the waters of West Kauai without a permit since 2015. The ADC's permit expired, leading to unregulated discharges of pollutants, including glyphosate, a herbicide linked to cancer, KHON2 reports.

This pollution impacts popular recreational areas like Kekaha Beach and Barking Sands Beach, where locals fish and gather food. Dr. Carl J. Berg, a senior scientist with the Kauai Surfrider Chapter, began testing these waters in 2014. He found troubling levels of glyphosate and other chemicals.

"Our government is not protecting the environment or our health," Berg told KHON2.

 

Health Impacts

The use of herbicides and pesticides in Kauai has led to numerous health issues. For instance, in 2006 and 2008, students at Waimea Canyon Middle School experienced flu-like symptoms due to chemical exposure. These incidents prompted a study that detected several pesticides and phytochemicals in the air around the school, Chemosphere reports.

Chronic exposure to low levels of these chemicals is particularly concerning, as they can accumulate in the human body over time. Dr. Lee Evslin, a pediatrician and member of the Kauai Joint Fact Finding Study Group, noted the dangers of such exposures. The group’s findings highlighted that companies like Syngenta and Dow AgroSciences used 23 different restricted-use pesticides between 2013 and 2015, totaling 18 tons of these chemicals, Courthouse News reports.

 

Community Concerns

Residents have voiced their fears about the health implications of herbicide use. Malia Chun, a local mother, reported asthma and throat irritation symptoms in her family.

"Why should I leave? No amount of money is worth the health of our community," she told Civil Eats.

Community members have also reported high levels of glyphosate in their bodies, and farmworkers have experienced severe health issues due to chemical exposure. The lack of transparency and inadequate regulation exacerbate these concerns.

"There is no public transparency about what the discharge waters contain," Earthjustice Attorney Kylie Wager Cruz told KHON2.

Community members are being left in the dark about the true extent of the chemical contamination.

Legislative Action

In response to these issues, Hawaii lawmakers have advanced legislation aimed at restricting pesticide spraying on Kauai. Measures include establishing buffer zones, requiring mandatory disclosure of pesticide use, and setting up monitoring programs, Courthouse News reports.

Despite opposition from major agribusinesses, these efforts are crucial for protecting public health and the environment. The Hawaii Center for Food Safety, along with other advocacy groups, strongly supports these legislative measures.

"It's unfortunate that Dow can't support buffer zones that protect children," Ashley Lukens, director of the center, told Courthouse News.

Legal Battles

The Surfrider Foundation and other environmental groups continue to challenge the state’s handling of pesticide regulation. They have requested the Hawaii Supreme Court to review a case involving the reissue of a permit for Syngenta’s use of state land without proper environmental review.

This ongoing legal battle highlights the need for stringent oversight and accountability in the use of herbicides. Paul Achitoff, managing attorney for Earthjustice’s Honolulu office, emphasized the legal soundness of protective measures like buffer zones.

"I believe the Bill’s key provisions are legally sound and stand an excellent chance of withstanding a legal challenge," Achitoff told Civil Eats.

Looking Forward

The path forward for Hawaii involves balancing agricultural needs with public health and environmental protection. Enhanced regulation, transparency, and community involvement are essential steps.

The fight against harmful herbicide use is far from over, but with continued advocacy and legal action, there is hope for a safer, healthier future for Hawaii’s residents and ecosystems.

Click below and take action for Hawaii!