Keep Toxic Pesticides & Fertilizers banned in Maui County Parks

In 2021, Maui County Council unanimously passed a groundbreaking bill (Ordinance 5232) to safeguard the health and welfare of the Maui community and to conserve and protect Maui waterways and natural resources. This ordinance moved to ban the use of toxic pesticides and fertilizers on County land, Maui took a leadership role, demonstrating what real commitment to their constituents and environment looks like. 

Ordinance 5232 set a clear schedule for compliance, moving away from toxic pesticides and fertilizers, allowing a generous three years for larger facilities including Wai`ehu Municipal Golf Course to comply including training and information with federal organic approved products. 

And now, the Maui County Parks and Recreation Department (Parks Department) is submitting Bill 131 which would exempt the Department of Parks and Recreation from current county ordinances and allow them to continue to use harmful pesticides and fertilizers at Waiehu Municipal golf course, county parks with grassy fields, and county agricultural parks.

Surfrider Foundation Maui Chapter is opposed to Bill 131 (2024) which undermines the fundamental purpose of Ordinance 5232. We are in support of Maui Nui Marine Resource Council’s Reef Friendly Landscaping program providing technical guidance to the Parks Department to explore alternative solutions that will protect our waterways and coastal environment from pollution.