Protect Our Planet and People — Ban Toxic Herbicides in Hawaii
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Sponsor: The Rainforest Site
Hawaii's beauty hides a toxic secret. Dangerous herbicides pollute our waters and harm our health. Act now to protect our paradise.
Hawaii, known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant ecosystems, faces a hidden crisis. Dangerous herbicides are polluting our waters and jeopardizing our health. These chemicals, particularly glyphosate, used extensively in agriculture, have severe consequences for our environment and communities.
The Hidden Threat
Glyphosate, a common herbicide, has been linked to cancer and other serious health problems1. In Kauai, the unregulated discharge of this chemical has contaminated local water sources. This pollution affects popular beaches like Kekaha and Barking Sands, endangering both locals and tourists2.
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 chemicals2.
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 school3. 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 chemicals1.
Community Concerns
Residents have voiced their fears about the health implications of herbicide use4. 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. Community members are 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, mandatory disclosure of pesticide use, and setting up monitoring programs1. 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, as current toxic chemical spraying methods can't support buffer zones that protect children1.
Act Now
The situation is dire, but you can make a difference. By supporting a statewide ban on dangerous herbicides, you help protect Hawaii's environment and the health of its residents.
Sign the petition to ban these harmful chemicals and ensure a safer, healthier future for Hawaii.
- Nicholas Fillmore, Courthouse News (2 February 2017), "Hawaii Advances Pesticide Restrictions for Kauai."
- KHON2 (15 July 2019), "State Guilty of Violating Clean Water Act on Kauai with Cancer-Linked Glyphosate, Other Pesticides."
- Megan Fox, Civil Eats (27 September 2013), "Poisoning Paradise: Kauai’s Pesticide Battle."
- Jun Wang, Robert Boesch, Qing X. Li, Chemosphere (December 2017), "A Case Study of Air Quality - Pesticides and Odorous Phytochemicals on Kauai, Hawaii, USA."
- Staley Prom, Surfrider (2 August 2024), "Surfrider Asks Hawaii Supreme Court to Review West Kauai Pesticides Case."
The Petition:
To the Governor of Hawaii,
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Hawaii, respectfully urge you to take immediate action to ban the use of dangerous herbicides across our state to protect our environment and the health of our communities.
Recent findings have revealed that herbicides, such as glyphosate, are polluting our waters and endangering our health. These chemicals, widely used in agricultural practices, have been linked to cancer and other severe health issues. The pollution caused by these herbicides affects not only our drinking water but also our beloved beaches and recreational areas, posing a significant risk to the well-being of both residents and visitors.
In Kauai, the unregulated discharge of herbicides has led to alarming levels of glyphosate in the environment. This situation has resulted in increased cases of respiratory problems, skin conditions, and even cancer among the local population. The evidence is clear: continued use of these toxic chemicals presents an unacceptable risk to public health and the natural beauty of our islands.
We call on you, the Governor of the State of Hawaii, to implement a statewide ban on these hazardous herbicides. Such a ban will demonstrate our commitment to safeguarding our environment and ensuring the health and safety of our people. By transitioning to safer and more sustainable agricultural practices, we can protect our land, water, and air for future generations.
Taking decisive action now will help secure a healthier, cleaner, and more sustainable future for all of Hawaii's residents. We trust in your leadership to prioritize the well-being of our communities and our precious environment.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.
Sincerely,
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