HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1582
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO NEONICOTINOIDS.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that neonicotinoid insecticides are neurotoxic insecticides that permanently bind to, and subsequently overstimulate and destroy, insect nerve cells. Neonicotinoids are the most widely used class of insecticides worldwide.

The legislature further finds that research overwhelmingly shows that neonicotinoid pesticides have destructive impacts on pollinator populations, killing bees, butterflies, and birds, and pose a serious threat to food systems, ecosystems, and public health. Growing scientific evidence also suggests that neonicotinoids have serious negative health impacts for humans. Neonicotinoid contamination is common in water supplies, food, and human bodies.

The purpose of this Act is to:

(1) Classify neonicotinoid pesticides as restricted use pesticides; and

(2) Establish a list of chemicals that belong to the neonicotinoid class of chemicals to be included under this classification.

SECTION 2. Section 149A-2, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended as follows:

1. By adding a new definition to be appropriately inserted and to read:

""Neonicotinoid pesticide" means any pesticide containing a chemical belonging to the neonicotinoid class of chemicals, including but not limited to acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, nitenpyram, nithiazine, thiacloprid, thiamethoxam, or any other chemical designated by the EPA as belonging to the neonicotinoid class of chemicals. "Neonicotinoid pesticide" does not include any wood preservative pesticides or wood preservative products that contain neonicotinoid, other similar pesticides used to treat wood products, or pesticides used by the structural pest control industry for household pests in and around the home."

2. By amending the definition of "restricted use pesticide" to read:

""Restricted use pesticide" means:

(1) A pesticide or pesticide use classified by [the]:

(A) The Administrator[,] of the EPA[,] for use by certified applicators or competent persons under their direct supervision and so designated on its label; or

(B) The board for use by certified applicators or competent persons under their direct supervision; or

(2) A [pesticide or pesticide use classified by the board for use by certified applicators or competent persons under their direct supervision.] neonicotinoid pesticide."

SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Neonicotinoid Pesticides; Restricted Use Pesticides

Description:

Classifies neonicotinoid pesticides as restricted use pesticides and establishes a list of chemicals that belong to the neonicotinoid class of chemicals.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.