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Agriculture / Food Captain: Amy Brinker Captain: Ashley Lukens |
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HB 903 is a dramatic improvement to the state’s polluted runoff law. It will give the Department of Health the authority and resources to reduce soil and chemical runoff that pollutes our streams, bays, shorelines and reef ecosystems.
The agriculture lobby, however, has been trying to kill this bill. A number of amendments have already been made to reduce the impact of this bill on farmers, but it seems like the big landowners are refusing to accept any regulations.
Please send an email to all Senators asking them to stop polluted runoff to Hawaii's fragile marine resources. You can send the email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Talking points:
- This bill is important because it would enable DOH to address the largest source of water pollution in Hawaii--storm runoff
- Runoff pollutes streams, groundwater, the ocean and and coral reefs
- Farms are a principal source of runoff pollution (soil, fertilizer, and pesticides)
- In Hawaii, sewage from cesspools is also a source of pollution
- The bill would not apply to small farmers (under ten acres), who make up 64% of farms in Hawaii
- Larger farm owners, who control 98% of the farm land in Hawaii, oppose the bill as burdensome
- DOH would focus on working with those in areas with impaired waters causing the most sediment runoff
- Most farms would not be affected.
SB894 SD2 helps preserve undeveloped land at Turtle Bay
Written by Doug Fetterly | Published in Marine / CoastalUndeveloped land comes under intense scrutiny by developers, and Turtle Bay is a prime target. Please email your YES vote today to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for SB894 SD2 to help prevent sprawl in our coastal areas.
SB1162 SD1 helps keep our shoreline and public access open and clear
Written by Doug Fetterly | Published in Marine / Coastal
HB17 HD1 helps to maintain shoreline and beach access
Written by Doug Fetterly | Published in Marine / CoastalPlease send in a YES vote for HB17. Your This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it does not have to be lengthy. If we think a bill is a done deal simply because it has made it as far as the final vote, we must remember that those who oppose the Sierra Club, and the public, want us to soften our resolve in those final moments. Mahalo!
Key Bills Coming Up for a Final Vote
Written by Robert Harris | Published in AdministrativeThe attached PDFS show some of the key bills coming up for a vote in the Senate and the House (technically called "third reading"). If they get enough votes, they'll crossover. See a bill you support? Oppose? If so, consider writing to all Senators by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and all Representatives at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and let them know!
Don't see the attachments? Click on this link to see the full article.
- Senate Memo (112 Downloads)
- House Memo (93 Downloads)