Restricted Use Pesticide Usage: Molokaʻi

Hoʻolehua-Kualapuʻu

Executive Summary (2020 - 2021)

Analysis of Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP) data for Molokaʻi in 2020 and 2021 demonstrates the continued use of highly hazardous pesticides near the residential areas and community centers of Hoʻolehua and Kualapuʻu, with overlapping applications of neurotoxic insecticides, herbicides, and insect growth regulators. Across both years, communities face exposure to multiple chemical classes, including carbamates, organophosphates, pyrethroids, and persistent herbicides, highlighting ongoing health risks and environmental concerns.

2020 & 2021

Key Findings

1. Persistent use of highly hazardous pesticides

• Paraquat dichloride: 12 lbs (2020) → 163 lbs (2021) — extreme acute toxicity, no antidote, linked to Parkinson’s disease. Banned in 70 countries.

• Methomyl: 8 lbs (2020) → 86 lbs (2021) — acute neurotoxicity, cholinesterase inhibition

• Cyantraniliprole, Cyprodinil, Fludioxonil, Lambda- & Zeta-cypermethrin, S-Metolachlor — persistent, neurotoxic, and toxic to aquatic life

2. Neurotoxic burden near schools

• Carbamates and organophosphates repeatedly applied

• Children are highly vulnerable to neurological, respiratory, and developmental harms

• Cumulative exposure risks are unaddressed under current regulations

3. Heavy use of synthetic pyrethroids and ecological toxicity

• Multiple pyrethroids applied concurrently

• Extremely toxic to fish, invertebrates, and pollinators

• Persistent in sediments; concurrent use increases localized aquatic toxicity hotspots

4. Ongoing exposure to chemical mixtures

• Real-world exposure includes overlapping applications of insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and growth regulators

• Evidence shows mixtures amplify:

• Neurodevelopmental harm

• Endocrine disruption

• Chronic disease risk

• Ecological damage

Schools and Communities at Risk

Pesticide residues travel miles from application sites into schoolyards, homes, water catchments, and air. Chronic exposure threatens children’s developing bodies, contributing to:

• Brain development impacts

• Respiratory harm and asthma risk

• Childhood cancer susceptibility

• Hormonal/endocrine interference

There are five schools within 1 mile of RUP applications (2020–2021):

1. Kaunakakai Elementary

2. Kilohana Elementary

3. Molokaʻi High School

4. Kualapuʻu Elementary

5. St. Joseph School

Conclusion

The 2020–2021 pesticide use data for Molokaʻi show communities remain exposed to highly hazardous chemicals, with rising paraquat and methomyl use, repeated neurotoxic applications, and persistent ecological impacts. Children and schools are at disproportionate risk, and current regulations fail to address cumulative and mixture exposures.

Legislative Recommendations:

• Increase transparency on RUP use near communities and schools

• Establish stronger buffer zones around sensitive sites

• Require cumulative risk assessments for chemical mixtures

• Strengthen enforcement and monitoring to protect public health and ecosystems

If you want the full Molokaʻi Report, email safefarmssafefood@gmail.com