Surfrider: Hawai‘i Supreme Court Victory – Pesticides Used Near Ocean in Kaua’i

The Surfrider Foundation and our partners are celebrating a significant victory at the Hawai‘i Supreme Court, after challenging a state decision exempting a seed research company utilizing restricted use pesticides from complying with Hawai‘i’s environmental law. “For too long, the agrochemical industry in Hawai‘i has avoided environmental scrutiny. On West Kaua‘i’s public lands, companies test and develop genetically engineered seeds designed to withstand experimental pesticides. From 2019 to 2021 alone, 13 to 16 restricted-use pesticides — all toxic to aquatic species — were applied annually just 400 feet from the ocean. That’s unacceptable.” Read ON.