Flooding on Hawaii's North Shore Raises Concerns Over Pesticide and Bacterial Contamination in Agricultural Areas

Risks and Testing Four sites on the North Shore have been tested for legacy pesticides, including banned substances.

The Hawaii Department of Health anticipates results within two weeks. Officials state that the volume of floodwater likely diluted any pesticides to below hazardous levels. Officials assessed the pesticide risk as low due to dilution from heavy rain.

Officials identified bacteria as the greater concern. The state is monitoring for additional health effects linked to pesticide exposure, such as neurological, respiratory illnesses, and cancers.

“— University of Hawaii professor, date not specified (Los Angeles Times)”

Operations Floodwaters have deposited mud on farms, destroying crops and machinery while threatening organic certifications. Organic farms require buffer zones, such as berms or untended areas, to prevent pesticide drift from conventional agriculture.

Some buffers may have failed during the extreme flooding, potentially contaminating organic lands. Organic farmers could lose certification and face a wait to regain it after clearing land. A university college is providing free soil testing for affected farmers to check for nutrients, diseases, and pesticide residues.

Testing details are being finalized, according to the college's communications director. A farmers union noted concerns over asphalt and roadway contaminants leaching into soils. Future harvests of leafy greens may absorb any residual pesticides, though dilution reduces this risk, said a pesticides branch manager.

The union is planning recovery seminars with a North Shore economic partnership.

Context The Hawaii Department of Agriculture regulates restricted-use pesticides, but does not track their specific locations or usage times. Several bills to enhance restrictions failed in the current legislative session. One bill to digitize reports remains active.

A coalition reported that fumigants and insecticides were used in the region from 2020 to 2022. A fumigant is linked to cancer, respiratory problems, and neurological damage. A company testified that a ban would reduce its productivity. At the federal level, recent steps promote domestic production of a chemical associated with cancers through lawsuits.

An ongoing federal bill proposes relaxing pesticide rules and potentially preempting state lawsuits against agrochemical companies. A U.S. representative stated that the bill favors certain priorities despite some support. A state representative highlighted concerns over chemicals from upstream operations washing onto local lands.

An executive director noted the influence of powerful interests in the failed ban, which had testimony support.