Hawaii County Council passes first reading of ordinance banning glyphosate use in county parks

The Hawaii County Council on Dec. 8 adopted, on first reading, an ordinance that would bar the county and its contractors from using glyphosate-based herbicides in county parks and recreation facilities.

Councilmember Rebecca Villegas moved the amendment to Bill 91 and said it was narrowed after consultation with corporation counsel to apply specifically to county parks and recreation operations. "This piece of legislation is a small step in the right direction," Villegas said as she framed the measure as a way to protect children and pollinators in public spaces.

The bill as amended exempts specified facilities — including the Hilo Municipal Golf Course, the Hilo drag strip and county cemeteries — and preserves narrowly defined emergency exceptions. Corporation Counsel Elizabeth Strantz explained the language changes were intended to avoid unintended legal admissions while keeping the law focused on parks.

Public testimony overwhelmingly supported the measure. Corey Harden of Sierra Club Hawaii Island urged the council to adopt the ban, citing studies about glyphosate’s effects on soil microbes and earthworms and noting that the bill limits the ban to parks. Autumn Ness of Beyond Pesticides reiterated scientific and court findings and described recent litigation that has upheld verdicts connecting glyphosate to cancer in other jurisdictions.

Opponents and some council members cautioned about broader effects and the limits of the council’s authority over agricultural uses. Councilmember Richards voted no, telling the council he remained concerned the ordinance could be read as an anti‑agriculture measure and that the council is not the appropriate body to make broad determinations about pesticide safety.

The roll call on first reading was 8–1 in favor, with Richards voting no. Villegas said the measure will give parks staff direction to move toward nonchemical alternatives and that further operational details will be worked out in follow-up implementation steps and through Parks and Recreation.

Next steps: Bill 91 passed first reading and will return for later readings where the council will consider final adoption and any additional implementation language.