Hooray! JFF Kauai Pesticide Report Calls For Full Disclosure, Buffer Zones and Comprehensive Testing

Posted on March 15, 2016 by garyhooser

The recently released State/County Joint Fact Finding (JFF) report strongly validates Kauai resident concerns about the large scale use of Restricted Use Pesticides by the agrochemical industry.

The report makes specific recommendations to the State and County that include mandatory disclosure of pesticide use, water soil and air testing for pesticide drift and buffer zones around sensitive areas to protect against pesticide drift.

The report also strongly refutes the industry and government statements that the sickening of the students and teachers at Waimea Canyon Middle School was caused by “stinkweed”.  The report says clearly that nearby pesticide spraying was a much more likely cause of this incident.

Below is a summary of some key points contained within the report that backs up the above statements of fact.  Bold emphasis is added.  All are encouraged to read the full report and appendix (link at bottom).

And please sign the petition and circulate to your friends and neighbors: https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/demand-our-leaders-take-action-to-protect-hawaii-from-pesticides-now

Report was independent and neutral: “Following hearings on Bill 2491 and Ordinance 960 in 2013, Kauaʻi Mayor Bernard Carvalho and State Department of Agriculture Director Scott Enright initiated an independent and neutral Joint Fact Finding Study Group…”  page 7.

High volume of pesticide use by industry: “Based on GNP data, seed companies applied an estimated 36,240 lbs., or 18.1 tons of RUPs in total formulation over the 20-month period from December 2013 – July 2015. “Total formulation” refers to the entire pesticide mixture, including inert ingredients. Seed companies and Kauaʻi Coffee applied approximately 15,072 lbs. or 7.5 tons of active ingredients over the same period. These same companies used 23 different RUPs containing 16 different active ingredients, either alone or in combinations.” page 23.

Pesticide drift from crop usage occurred at Waimea Canyon School: “In addition, three “contemporary pesticides” were found in air samples taken at WCMS that were not found at samples taken from the other four school sites. These pesticides were chlorpyrifos, metolachlor, and bifenthrin; all of which are active ingredients currently applied by seed companies on Kauaʻi. The concentration of chlorpyrifos was 24 times lower and metolachlor was 650 times lower than California’s subchronic levels of concern for the two chemicals. There is no health screening level for bifenthrin. Bifenthrin is also an active ingredient in RUPs used by golf courses on Kauaʻi, and is found in many GUP insecticides. The sampling studies are evidence that these currently used pesticides had drifted in the air.” page 40

There were actually 3 situations of possible pesticide contamination at Waimea Canyon Middle School: “Waimea Canyon (Middle) School (WCMS) is situated on the western boundary of Waimea Town. There are seed company operations on both sides of Waimea Town. In 2006 and 2008, there were events at the school during which students and teachers were sickened by odors. Some went directly home. Others were evaluated by Kauaʻi Fire Department Emergency Medical Technician and taken for care at the neighboring hospital. There was also a complaint related to pesticide use investigated in 2007.” page 78

It is much more likely that pesticide drift caused students and teachers to get sick at Waimea Canyon Middle School and not stinkweed: “….while there is no definitive cause for the heath symptoms reported in Waimea, they were far more likely related to pesticide exposures than from exposure to stinkweed organics, other plants or their decomposition products.” page 80.

Small low doses of pesticide exposure over time matter: “There is a growing body of medical literature demonstrating associations between health problems from low-level chronic exposures that accumulate over time. Such exposures may be from legacy or currently used pesticides. While the EPA has issued guidelines regarding toxic levels of acute exposure, data is only now being published regarding chronic low dose exposure and the association with chronic disease. There are particular concerns with respect to those exposures for pregnant women and children.” page 54

Key Report Recommendations (in part, see report for full recommendations):

“the Governor should support legislative requests for additional funding to implement the recommendations of this report” page 93 And “the Kauaʻi County delegation to the Hawaiʻi State Legislature work cooperatively to appropriate $3 million in State funding to the HDOA to implement the recommendations of this report. page 94

“Establish New State Standards for “Chronicity” that Take Account of Low Level Continuous Exposures.  Set more conservative margins of pesticide safety for RUPs and questionable GUPs that take into account the emerging chronic and compounding effects of pesticide exposure at levels lower than acute exposure thresholds.” page 95

Mandatory pesticide disclosure by large users: “the Good Neighbor Program should be revised and expanded statewide. Revisions should…; be made mandatory for all large RUP users; include selected GUPs…” GUP’s = General Use Pesticides such as glyphosate. page 96

“Establish a Consistent Buffer Zone Policy and Use “Green Screens.” page 96

“ensure drift-monitoring at selected property line sites, particularly downwind of high-volume application areas and around towns, schools, or public facilities near large agricultural areas.” page 97

“require that the Department of Water begin monitoring for chlorpyrifos…” page 100. “implement a systematic pilot program that tests Westside air, soils and dusts for pesticides in areas adjacent to seed company operations…” page 101

Will the Governor of the State of Hawaii and the Mayor of Kauai County now step forward to support these recommendations presented in a report and study they themselves sponsored? Or will industry pressure and condemnation of the reports recommendations carry the day?

The report states: “Because of the small populations involved and the lack of fully reliable and accurate health data, the information we assembled does not show that current pesticide use by seed companies and Kauaʻi Coffee plays a role in adverse health on Kauaʻi.” page 9

But the report also states: “The medical literature and limited local information we reviewed make a compelling case for the need to collect better data in the future and, most importantly, to systematically test the environment and population for possible causes, including possible harmful exposures.” page 9

The State Director of Agriculture and industry cheerleaders point to the lack of “statistically significant evidence” but fail to point out that this is essentially impossible to obtain given the small population of Kauai and of the west side in particular. The agrochemical companies know this very well and have historically used this to their advantage all over the world, poisoning one small town after another.

Read the Pulitzer award winning book: “Toms River: A Story of Science and Salvation” by Dan Fagin, or any number of “Erin Brockovich like stories”.  The story is the same in community after community.  The companies come in to town, pollute and poison the health and the environment but the ever elusive ““statistically significant evidence” linking one companies individual action to one persons particular illness is most often impossible to isolate.

Everyone knows that pesticides are poisons and that these companies are using them by the truckload.  The evidence in this report proves without question that these poisons are drifting into the air of our schools and into stream waters and the water we drink.

But the big money, the big companies and the big lawyers, supported by government regulators suffering from “regulatory capture” and policy makers afraid to buck the industry, will hide behind the ever elusive “statistically significant evidence”.

And of course just like they are vehemently disputing the JFF report, whenever statistically significant evidence is presented these companies and their friends will dispute, diminish and criticize the data, and request still more studies until they eventually get a study/report that they agree with.

After-all this is what they do.

And of course what we do as a community is fight back until we win and these companies either comply with the will of our community or they leave.

I am hopeful the Governor and Mayor will exhibit the leadership necessary to move us forward and begin now implementing the recommendations put forth in their own report.

HELP SEND THE GOVERNOR A STRONG MESSAGE:  SIGN THIS PETITION PLEASE!

https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/demand-our-leaders-take-action-to-protect-hawaii-from-pesticides-now

The entire report is here: http://www.accord3.com/docs/GM-Pesticides/draft-report/JFF%20Full%20Report%20-%20DRAFT.pdf

Appendix 1 http://www.accord3.com/docs/GM-Pesticides/draft-report/JFF%20Appendix%201%20-%20DRAFT.pdf

Appendix 2 http://www.accord3.com/docs/GM-Pesticides/draft-report/JFF%20Appendix%202%20-%20DRAFT.pdf

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Remarks on vision, bold action and leadership:

Posted on March 9, 2016 by garyhooser

A friend asked a few weeks ago about “my vision for the future”.  At our March 1 campaign launch and “fun-raiser” (see video/report below) I spoke briefly about that vision and about the rewards and roadblocks involved in its pursuit.  In short, my vision is of Kauai being a global leader and of each of us as individuals and as the collective community being leaders who strive to make our home and our planet a better place.

My personal goal is that we are bold in our actions and that we model the value of kuleana, of community stewardship and of responsible civic engagement.

Kauai can lead on food self sufficiency while enhancing the health of our community and environment.  We have the land, the water, the market and a motivated citizenry needed to achieve this goal.  We also have a core base of small successful farmers, a community college poised to support the training of more and numerous individuals and organizations committed to the fundamental values of food self sufficiency and environmental stewardship.

If our community could coalesce around this fundamental goal and if our community and  political leaders were committed to guiding our County away from the status quo of industrial chemical intensive agriculture that literally produces no food whatsoever for our island, we could accomplish this incredible feat and set an example for the world.

It is a tough road to go down but we must say no to industrial dairies and to large scale pesticide intensive research crops that provide zero food for local consumption while polluting our environment and damaging our health.  We must put feeding ourselves and protecting our communities health and environment first.

If our County focused its energy and resources on supporting operations that grow real food for local consumption, we could be food self sufficient and have a booming food export based economy.  While the local market may be relatively small, the visitor industry brings in over a million visitors every year and they all have to eat.  The global market for organic clean foods is booming with no end in sight and small scale food processing facilities supporting high value niche markets could provide the added value products necessary to ensure profits.

What better place to make this vision a reality than on the garden island of Kauai.

Kauai could also lead on the fundamentals of how governments are supposed to work, and we can lead on fundamentals of individual civic engagement.  We should have the highest voter turnout, the most public forums for political candidates and the highest level of community participation in the public policy process.

Affordable housing is often seen as an oxymoron but we can lead in this area as well.  The only thing standing between us and dramatically increasing and maintaining a large inventory of affordable housing is the lack of political will to take bold action.  The County of Kauai holds tremendous power in the area of land use and we have the ability to borrow large sums of money at the very lowest rates.

The County could and should immediately identify large tracts of land located in or adjecent to existing urban areas and use our zoning authority and our borrowing capacity in partnership with the landowner to develop quality communities that are affordable for local families.  This of course should be done thoughtfully and in alignment with our General Plan, but we must treat this issue with the urgency that it deserves.

There are many other issues that need urgent attention including of course the extreme traffic congestion that exists in many areas but especially in the Kapaa-Wailua corridor.

The answer is a mix of highway improvements and the expansion of public transportation options.  We must push the State to take immediate action on improving our State highways and we must look to the visitor industry to help fund shuttles and public transportation options desperately needed to offset that industries impact on our public roadways.

There is no shortage of ideas and solutions, but it is the political will and the courage to take bold action that is lacking.

Collectively as a community I know we can overcome this weakness that is limiting our success and together we can do this.

2016 is the year in which we can make great strides.

Imua!
Gary Hooser
http://www.garyhooser.com

PS – I would like to offer my sincerest mahalo to all who helped make our March 1 campaign kick-off “fun-raiser” a huge success.  While we planned for about 150 people, we had over 200 walk through the door!

And for those that are asking…yes we are still accepting contributions and still need your help and support.  Contributions may be made via PayPal here: http://garyhooser.com/donate-now/ Or mailed to Friends of Gary Hooser, 5685 Ohelo Road, Kapaa HI 96746.

Mahalo to The Greenery Cafe http://www.thegreenerycafe.com for the excellent food and to Norman “Kaawa” Solomon for the beautiful music. There are so many to thank and you know who you are, all who helped with the set up, decorations, sign-in, name tags, voter registration and more.

Here is a 30 minute video review of the event by Robert Zelkovsky you might enjoy.  My remarks and an extensive Q & A start at about the 8 minute mark.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qpF9o9KvbI

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Kauai Residents: Urgent Call To Action

Posted on March 8, 2016 by garyhooser

What could be the final hearing on Bill 2614 regulating lobbyists and lobbying is tomorrow, Wednesday March 9. The meeting starts at 8:30am and it is unclear exactly when this item will actually be discussed.

Please submit testimony as soon as possible to counciltestimony@kauai.gov

The measure can be read in its entirety here: http://kauai.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?meta_id=99318

Unfortunately a majority on the Council voted to significantly weaken the original Bill 2614 by removing a provision that would have prohibited lobbyists from giving gifts of any sort to elected officials.

The Bill was then weakened further by the deletion of a provision which banned paid lobbyists from sitting on certain Boards and Commissions such as the Ethics Commission, the Charter Review Commission and on any commission upon which they were paid to lobby on the subject matter being discussed. Fortunately, the measure retains the ban pertaining to the Ethics Commission but all others were deleted.

While my intent is to propose that a modified version of these two provisions be added back into the Bill, I am most concerned there will be further attempts to weaken and or delay the passage of this important legislation.

Kauai is the only County in the State of Hawaii without any laws regulating lobbyists and lobbying and currently in violation of the State Constitution requiring each County to do so.

Please submit your testimony today to counciltestimony@kauai.gov

Be sure and state your position on Bill 2614 in the subject line along with a brief statement as to the nature of your testimony.

The provisions I hope to add back in are:

  1. A total gift ban by lobbyists to elected officials, with caveats to exclude flower lei, educational materials and other insignificant non-pecuniary items (no monetary value)
  2. A prohibition against lobbyists serving on the Planning Commission and the Charter Review Commission, both of which are directly involved in proposing and approving legislative initiatives.  Bill 2614 presently retains a provision banning lobbyists from serving on the Ethics Commission.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The definition of a lobbyist presently contained within the Bill essentially only applies to individuals who get paid to influence government on behalf of someone else.  Opponents of strong lobbying legislation are trying to confuse people into believing it will effect everyone who testifies, this is absolutely not true.

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Answer to Kapaa traffic mess is not to raise taxes but to get the State to do its job

Posted on March 8, 2016 by garyhooser

Raising the taxes of local residents is not the answer to relieving traffic congestion on Kauai.  While the gas tax and vehicle weight tax might be better options than raising the General Excise Tax, the best option is no tax increase at all for local residents.

In case this point is not clear I will repeat: Increasing taxes will not decrease traffic congestion.

Yes, we need to support public transportation but the cost of those improvements should be borne through taxes and fees paid by the visitor industry who contribute a disproportionate number of cars to our highways daily.

The answer to relieving traffic congestion is not a County tax increase, but is simply getting our State government to do its job and fix our State highways.

The infamous “Kapaa Crawl” occurs daily along Kuhio Highway which is a State Highway.  Increasing County taxes to repave and improve County roads will have no impact on the traffic nightmare occurring daily along Kuhio Highway.  From Kawaihau Road to the North all the way to the tunnel of trees to the South and beyond, the traffic is horrendous and this entire stretch is a State highway.

It is our State governments responsibility to fix our State highways and it is long past time for our community to send a message loud and clear to our 4 State legislators, our State Department of Transportation and to our Governor.  Kuhio Highway in Kapaa is a disaster and the State of Hawaii needs to treat it with the urgency and importance it deserves.  The amount of money and time wasted daily in traffic is only part of it.  When a tsunami or other disaster requiring evacuation occurs at some point in the future, the results could be catastrophic.

Numerous small but worthy fixes have been proposed over the past 10 years but nothing has been done.  Even small fixes would provide some relief but nothing at all has been done and our community has reached its boiling point, again.  The last time, public sentiment boiled over it was “voila” and almost like magic the so-called temporary by-pass was created.  Prior to that it took an angry population and articles in the Wall Street Journal and again “voila” and the famous “contra flow” solution was seemingly instantly brought to life.

Some of the “fixes” to the Kapaa traffic are listed here: http://www.wkna.org/docs/KapaaTransportationSolutions-Aug2015-2-Chptr5-Implementation-reduced.pdf

And more detail including excellent maps is here: http://www.wkna.org/docs/KapaaTransportationSolutions-Aug2015-AppendixB-reduced.pdf

It is time once again for the community to express its outrage and dissatisfaction with the neglect shown by State government.  We cannot afford to wait another decade, or even another election cycle

Please support “Resolution 2016- 31” scheduled for this Wednesday March 9 at the Historic County Building asking our State government to “…acknowledge the urgency and importance of addressing the extreme traffic congestion existing within the Kapa’a — Wailua Traffic Corridor and request that the State DOT accelerate the development of highway improvements in recognition of the emergency situation that exists.”

Read the entire Resolution here: http://kauai.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?meta_id=99308

Please offer testimony in support of Resolution 2016 – 31 here: counciltestimony@kauai.gov

Add your name to that of the Kauai County Council and send a message loud and clear to our State legislators, the State DOT and the office of the Governor.  We need help now.

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Please join me Tuesday March 1!

Posted on February 22, 2016 by garyhooser

Please join me if you can Tuesday March 1 for our 2016 Kauai County Council Re-Election Campaign Kick-Off and Fun-Raiser!

Your presence if possible is important and your support of course is critical.

I am committed to continuing to work for you as a member of the Kauai County Council, but to do so I need your help.

Tuesday, March 1st, 6pm until 8pm at the Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall in Lihue

There will be ono food, great music and even greater fellowship and conversation.

Come early, bring family and friends – the event starts at 6pm with the program starting at 7pm.  Suggested $20 donation (welcome but not required), Kupuna and Keiki Free!

Please also help spread the word! Donations may be made at http://www.garyhooser.com/

All are welcome!  Come and join together with many others who share a common goal of making our community and our world, a better place.

Sincerely, gary

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How Unusual -Kauai Business Interests Seek To Weaken Kauai County Lobbyist Bill

Posted on February 15, 2016 by garyhooser

“Lobbyist Bill Draws Strong Support” or “Local Lobbyists Oppose Lobbying Regulation Bill” are sample headlines that could have been displayed in The Garden Island article of February 11.

Over 50 people submitted testimony in support of Bill #2614 and only two people (a lobbyist and a public relations consultant) opposed the measure, yet the headline screamed “Lobbyist Bill Draws Opposition”.

The State Constitution requires every County to provide for “lobbyist registration and restriction” and Kauai County is the only County in our State without such an ordinance.

By definition a lobbyist is someone “who for pay engages, or is engaged in lobbying…”. Lobbying is defined as communicating with a”County officer or employee for the purpose of attempting to influence any Legislative action or Administrative action.”  These definitions are modeled after existing legislation in the State and in other Counties.

In short Bill #2614 says if you get paid to influence government, then you must register as a lobbyist and disclose how much money you spend on lobbying.

Bill #2614 also BANS ALL GIFTS from lobbyists to government officials and requires those paid to influence government actions to disclose this fact when they offer testimony to the Council or any government agency.

Bill #2614 also forbids lobbyists from serving on certain Boards and Commissions that deal with the subject matter upon which they lobby and specifically bans them from serving on the Charter Review Commission and the Ethics Commission.  The Bill specifically allows so-called “subject matter experts” who may be lobbyists to present to the various Boards and Commissions, but does not allow them a full-time voting seat at the table.

Because he is chair of the Charter Review Commission (correction – Mr. TenBruggencate is a Member and Former Chair of the Charter Review Commission), it is perhaps this provision that caused Mr. Jan Tenbruggencate a high degree of angst, resulting in him significantly misrepresenting both the facts and the intent of Bill 2614 when he presented his testimony. I will not surmise that he knowingly misrepresented the facts surrounding this legislation and can only believe that he just does not understand both the existing proposed Bill 2614 and the historic legislation with which he repeatedly referred to as a good example of what Kauai County needs.

Mr. Tenbruggencate also seriously mischaracterized the issue of lobbyist registration as primarily dealing with individuals testifying before the council. This component is in fact a very small part of what is traditionally considered lobbying activity. It is the “after hours” lobbying, the lunches, the dinners, the trips, the first-class travel upgrades and the one-on-one meetings behind closed doors that are for the most part invisible to the public eye that deserve full transparency.

The bill is designed to be easy for those who might fall into the definition but may not be full-time lobbyists and do not spend significant funds or time lobbying. The proposed requirements include simply one form to initially register and one form to report the annual money spent on lobbying.

Please see for yourself and read Bill #2614 in its entirety here: http://kauai.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=&event_id=465&meta_id=98400

Please also email your testimony for or against, and include any suggested amendments to CouncilTestimony@kauai.gov prior to the upcoming Committee meeting on Wednesday morning February 17th.  It is helpful if you indicate “Bill #2614 and your position (support or oppose)” in the subject line.

While I may propose some modest amendments intended to improve the measures clarity and implementation, I am hopeful that the Bill #2614 will remain strong in spite of the growing opposition from the pro-lobbyist big business voices.

Note: The above was published in The Garden Island newspaper today, Monday February 15, 2016.   As the introducer of this measure and as someone committed to passing a strong lobbyist regulation Bill into law, I am obligated to clarify, to explain and to defend this legislation against misstatements of fact and intent.  Please help by offering your testimony in support of Bill #2614 today and prior to Wednesdays hearing by emailing counciltestimony@kauai.gov

 

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How forthcoming is the Hawaii State Department of Agriculture when asked to provide basic information?

Posted on February 5, 2016 by garyhooser

Below is just one example of the difficulty of obtaining even basic information from the Hawaii State Department of Agriculture.

UIPA Request from Kauai Councilmember Gary Hooser:

Question & Answer from Hawaii Department Of Agriculture

Re: Open/Pending Pesticide Drift Complaints

QUESTION (December 30, 2015):

  1. What is the current number of open cases relating to cases of pesticide drift on Kaua’i? (see prior requests 7/07/15, 7/28/15, 11/29/15)
  2. How far back in time do these open cases extend? (i.e. How old is the oldest open case?)
  3. Please provide the year that each open case was originally opened.
  4. For all cases (open and closed), over the past five (5) years, how many fines, penalties or other measures have been levied for violations of Hawai’i pesticide law violations on Kaua’i? Please explain.

Response (January 19, 2016) from Hawaii Department Of Agriculture

DENIED IN ITS ENTIRETY

Pursuant to HRS section 92F-11(c) of the Uniform Information Practices Act, an agency must disclose information that is “readily retrievable by the agency in the form in which it is requested, an agency shall not be required to prepare a compilation or summary of its records.”  The information you seek is not kept in the form you requested.  Compilation and summary of existing records goes beyond the Hawaii Department of Agriculture’s (HDOA) responsibility.  You were previously notified of this fact by way of correspondence dated January 17, 2013.  HDOA reiterates that information will only be provided when it exists in the form requested.  HDOA does not have the resources or manpower to go beyond its statutory obligations.

Again, as you have previously been informed, HDOA does not disclose any information regarding complaints or investigations that have not been closed, adjudicated, or settled.  Pursuant to HRS section 92F-13, an agency “shall not” be required to disclose “Government records pertaining to the prosecution or defense of any judicial or quasi-judicial action to which the State . . . is or may be a party, to the extent that such records would not be discoverable[.]”  HRS section 92F-13(2).  Government records are also protected from disclosure where the government records must be kept confidential “in order for the government to avoid the frustration of a legitimate government function[.]”  HRS section 92F-13(3).

******************************************

From other means of gathering the same information I am aware of 15 or 16 “open cases” of pesticide drift or exposure on Kauai.  These cases go back years and the agency will release zero information, not even the dates when the alleged violations occurred nor a summary or general characterization of the type of violation.

What the statewide total of “open cases” is, apparently no one knows and the SDOA is telling no one.

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2015 rocked – A short candid review of the good stuff going on in my life during the past year ;)

Posted on January 2, 2016 by garyhooser

Let’s start with a few highlights from 2015:

My kids both got married.  The weddings were fabulous and Claudette and I positively love the partners both have chosen.  Kelli-Rose and Justin went first on Oahu in August and then Dylan and Leeona followed in September on the north shore of Kauai.  Yes, two weddings within 45 days of each other 🙂  Both assure me that it is too soon to be talking about grandchildren, while I assure them that Mom and Dad are ready anytime.

In late April I went to Switzerland with a small Kauai contingent and spoke to 900 Syngenta Shareholders and Board of Directors during their annual meeting in Basel about the negative impacts of their company in my community.  Watch this 4 minute video if you like (notice as security attempts to stop the filming). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0zz7cV_Qe8

Serving as volunteer Board President for HAPA has been a fulfilling challenge and an opportunity for personal growth as well.  We have a great statewide team of very talented individuals committed to the goal of “catalyzing change and empowering communities”.  It is an honor to be a part of this new and vibrant nonprofit statewide organization whose mission also includes environmental, social and economic justice issues. http://www.hapahi.org

Did two, count them…two Grateful Dead concerts – One in Santa Clara and another in San Francisco.   Mahalo plenty to the Kreutzmann’s for their generous support of the work we are doing to protect Kauai and all Hawaii.

Went to the beach more in 2015 than I did in the prior 5 years combined.  Claudette and I also have enjoyed many days watching Dylan and friends play soccer on Sundays, sitting among friends and family, sharing snacks and stories and then enjoying a post game barbecue.

Had an interesting year on the Kauai County Council.  Would not call it particularly productive but it was never dull.  Though I tried really, really hard, it seems the 4 man majority that controls the agenda had other ideas.  Two of the worst of those ideas was a repeal of the “barking dog ordinance” and new rules forbidding Councilmembers from asking questions during public testimony #youcantmakethisstuffup – For an incredulous and sad chuckle read my blog piece on this here: https://garyhooser.wordpress.com/2015/10/23/youcantmakethisstuffup-the-kauai-county-council-passes-new-rules-prohibiting-councilmembers-from-asking-testifiers-questions-of-substance/

Visited Mom, Dad, Brothers and Nephews in Georgia and had a wonderful time hanging out, eating way too much pecan pie and doing some bike riding on the Riverwalk that runs along the Chattahoochee River.

Got waaay behind in my yard work.  Back yard is a jungle.  A good and productive jungle full of banana, ulu, lemon, lime, papaya, assorted vegetables and the best avocado in the world – but a jungle none-the-less.

Good news on the agrochemical battlefront – though Kauai County, Maui County and Hawaii County remain in court (our appeal before the 9th circuit is pending), it is clear that this industry has reduced its footprint on Kauai by at least 20%.  While imperfect in its implementation and flawed in its voluntary foundation, there is now more pesticide disclosure and greater buffer zones around schools, hospitals and homes.  This comes as a direct result of the work our community has been doing on this issue during the past two years.  Much work is yet to be done, but our past efforts have definitely had a significant, tangible and positive impact.

During the closing months of 2015 the EPA announced their intent to ban an especially nasty pesticide called Chlorpyrifos used extensively in Hawaii.  The industry operating under the so-called “good neighbor policy” is fighting this every step of the way, proving once again they are not good neighbors by any stretch of the imagination.  My final blog piece of 2015: “They Really Are Poisoning Paradise” https://garyhooser.wordpress.com/2015/12/30/they-truly-are-poisoning-paradise/

And yes I did announce my campaign for reelection in 2016 to the Kauai County Council. Please check out my updated campaign website! http://www.garyhooser.com

In conclusion, I want to say mahalo to all who have touched my life and that of my family during the past 12 months.  Some of you I see almost daily and some I have never actually seen at all but only communicate with via text, email or perhaps on FaceBook.  But I want to tell you and communicate to you somehow now, that your involvement and your friendship is important.

There are so many of you who I want to thank, and hug and share a smile, a fist bump or a high five with.  You know who you are and I look forward to working with you more, getting to know you better and sharing more hugs, and more smiles, fist bumps and a high five or two during what is sure to be a fabulous year 2016 which starts today.

Yours Truly,

Gary Hooser

(luckiest man on the planet)

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They Truly Are Poisoning Paradise

Posted on December 30, 2015 by garyhooser

Our community cannot rely on “good neighbors” to protect our health and environment. Government intervention is needed now.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced recently its intent to ban chlorpyrifos, a Restricted Use Pesticide, stating that it “ … could not conclude that the risk from aggregate exposure to chlorpyrifos meets the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) safety standard.” The report further states there is “potential for risks in small watersheds with high concentrations of farming where chlorpyrifos may be widely used.”

Numerous studies indicate children exposed to chlorpyrifos have lower IQs and poorer working memory which impacts learning, reading comprehension and the ability to pay attention. Columbia University reported “Even low to moderate levels of exposure to the insecticide chlorpyrifos during pregnancy may lead to long-term, potentially irreversible changes in the brain structure of the child … ”

So, the EPA has announced its intent to ban chlorpyrifos — yet its use will likely continue into the foreseeable future. Why?

Dow AgroScience, the largest supplier of chlorpyrifos in Hawaii, has no intention of stopping its use and will be fighting the EPA every step of the way.

This of course, is to be expected. The industry playbook originally written by Big Tobacco and adopted by the agrochemical industry starts with one primary strategy — obfuscate and delay.

First, it will claim the EPA is just wrong and that chlorpyrifos is safe. Then, it will claim that even if chlorpyrifos were dangerous, it’s only a little bit dangerous, and if people would just follow the label, all would be OK.

Along the way they will generate a media narrative that the EPA is bowing to political pressure from activists who do not understand science. They will tell us in so many words to suck it up, and that pesticides are a part of everyday life. In the end, they will demand more studies, then claim the resulting additional study outcomes are flawed.

To be clear, these corporations are not “good neighbors” and no amount of money thrown at agricultural scholarships can change this. To the contrary, their mission is dominated by the pursuit of corporate profits, with the protection of health, the environment and workers — always taking a back seat.

A genuine good neighbor, one who cared about how its actions might impact the health of children who live and play on the same street, would err on the side of caution and stop using chlorpyrifos now, and not wait for the EPA’s final directive banning it.

According to the state Department of Agriculture, 7,282 pounds of chlorpyrifos were sold in Hawaii during 2014.

A 2013 air sampling report by the state and Kauai County showed, “Five pesticides (including chlorpyrifos) were detected in the indoor and outdoor passive air samples and the high volume outdoor air samples collected at Waimea Canyon Middle School.”

In 2013-2014, state stream water testing found chlorpyrifos in the Kekaha Ditch on Kauai and in Hawaii County streams. The amounts found were small. But as noted in reports such as Columbia University’s cited above, study after study showed chronic long-term exposure to even very small amounts is harmful, especially to a developing fetus and the neurological systems of young children.

The state of Hawaii can and should ban the use of chlorpyrifos today. The Department of Agriculture can do this via rule-making, the Legislature can do it via law, and the governor can accomplish this via executive order.

The EPA says it is unable to confirm chlorpyrifos’ safety and that our drinking water may be at risk. Our government can stop this harm from occurring now. Why wait?

The above blog piece was first published in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser on Sunday December 27, 2015

Source documents:

EPA Proposal: http://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/proposal-revoke-chlorpyrifos-food-residue-tolerances

Columbia University: https://www.mailman.columbia.edu/public-health-now/news/prenatal-exposure-insecticide-chlorpyrifos-linked-alterations-brain-structure#sthash.IJaKCyFy.dpuf

Air sample study: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B43mvAFMJQpcbDBoMDBfaTZHZzA/view?pli=1

Water sampling study: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B43mvAFMJQpcLWhpSGpzZVhjUVk/view

DOW position: http://www.chlorpyrifos.com/pdf/DASStatement30Oct2015.pdf

More DOW position: http://www.agri-pulse.com/EPA-proposes-ban-on-chlorpyrifos-10302015.asp

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Wondering what to get me for Christmas? ;)

Posted on December 15, 2015 by garyhooser

It is that time of year and if you are spending your nights tossing and turning wondering what to get me for Christmas, here is a hint 😉

Join HAPA and offer whatever donation you are able to – anything really.

From $20 to $200 or more, anything you are able to give would positively make my day, close out a fabulous year of progress and get us ready for an even better year to come.

2016 will be a great year of that I am absolutely sure, but to truly excel on all of the many actions that are planned and to make positive change happen, the Hawai’i Alliance for Progressive Action (HAPA) needs your help today.

Simply joining the HAPA community will help as there is strength in numbers and every new person joining is important.  If your situation allows, please also make a contribution – any help you can offer today is greatly appreciated.

Click here to join and donate:  http://www.hapahi.org/take-action/

Your tax-deductible contribution will help fund grassroots initiatives and activism across Hawai`i!The Hawaiʻi Alliance for Progressive Action (HAPA) is a public non-profit under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. HAPA was incorporated on March 31, 2014 in the State of Hawaiʻi.

Then please, please, please – forward this email to your list of friends and encourage them to also join!

As the President of the Board of Directors for HAPA, your joining and contributing to the great work HAPA is doing around the State would be awesomely appreciated.  

Please check out two powerful initiatives we are launching in January!

The Kuleana Academy – A Leadership Development and Non-partisan Candidate Training Program for Hawai’i (program begins January 9, 2016)

http://www.hapahi.org/kuleana-academy/

International Food Justice Summit in Hawai`i – A panel of four experts/advocates from around the world and Hawai`i will travel across the islands to weave together a story of how our local struggles connect with one another, share inspiring stories of grassroots victories from around the earth, and explore how the world movement can grow (together) toward transforming the food system.

http://www.hapahi.org/food-justice-summit/

Venue locations and times announced soon.  Open to the public!

January 15, 2016 – Hawai`i Island (Hilo) –

January 16, 2016 – Maui (Kahului) –

January 17, 2016 – Kaua`i (Lihue) –

January 18, 2016 – O`ahu (Honolulu) –

HOLD THE DATES!!

DO NOT MISS THIS! December 16th, 6:30pm at the Honolulu Theatre for Youth

A special evening event with Dr. Sandra Steingraber! Heralded as “the new Rachel Carson,” Dr. Steingraber is an acclaimed ecologist, cancer survivor and mother whose stories will inspire you to believe change is possible in the age of environmental crisis. Sponsored by Hawai’i Center for Food Safety – free tickets available at http://bit.ly/ForOurKeikiTix

January 18 – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade

The parade starts at Ala Moana Park and passes through Waikiki and ends at Kapiolani Park. Tmes/details forthcoming.  Please set time aside to join us this day and march with HAPA to honor Dr. King!

January 20th – Opening Day at the Capitol

Our goal is to converge on the Capitol in partnership with all who strive to make Hawaii a place where people and the environment are valued ahead of profits.  We need to send a strong message of unity and determination to the Hawaii State Legislature.  Make a sign with YOUR MESSAGE and join us!

In case you have not had the chance to view them, here are two videos that demonstrate some of the work I have been doing.

View: My remarks delivered to 900 Syngenta shareholders in Basel Switzerland during their annual international shareholders meeting (4 minutes) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0zz7cV_Qe8

View: “The Little Island That Could” – my remarks on Kauai describing the Bill 2491 saga https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHYwsu3Wefs

And just in case the above donate button does not work, here is another!  http://www.hapahi.org/donate/

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