FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT PESTICIDES
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WHAT
IS A PESTICIDE? (return to top)
A pesticide is a
chemical intended to kill or repel a pest such as
unwanted insects, weeds, rats, germs, and fungus.
While we think of them as highly- toxic substances
used in agriculture, there are many pesticides used
everyday in our households. Many of the chlorine
bleaches and pine-oil products used in our laundry
and bathrooms are pesticides. All pesticide products
should be handled with care.
HOW DO I USE
PESTICIDES SAFELY? (return to top)
FOLLOW LABEL
DIRECTIONS. They were written to protect you and the
environment. Furthermore, they are the law!!! Failure
to follow these directions may lead to civil
penalties of up to $5,000.00 per offense or criminal
penalties of up to $25,000.00 or 1 year in prison or
both. The site or crop must appear on the pesticide
label before you can use it there. You must follow
all other instructions including mixing, dosage,
precautions and safety equipment.
WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT
OLD AND UNUSED PESTICIDES? (return to top)
Unused pesticides
present a potentially dangerous problem. The best
solution is to avoid it by purchasing pesticides only
in small amounts. If you have unused materials, follow the direction
on the label or the guidelines below:
- DO NOT:
Dispose of the pesticide at a landfill
Pour it down the drain
Dump it anywhere
HOW SHOULD I STORE
PESTICIDES? (return to top)
Proper pesticide
storage can prevent unfortunate accidents.
Keep them away
from children in a secure area.
Keep the
pesticide in the original container with all
labels attached.
DO NOT STORE
PESTICIDES IN ANY FOOD CONTAINER, AS
ACCIDENTAL INGESTION MAY RESULT.
Keep storage
area clean, well-lit and well-ventilated.
Follow pesticide
label directions.
DO I NEED TO BE
CERTIFIED TO USE PESTICIDES? (return to
top)
You need to be certified only if you
use Restricted-Use Pesticides, those that have a greater chance of
impacting the environment or human health. A dealer will not sell
you a Restricted-Use Pesticide unless you are certified. To find out
if a pesticide is restricted, contact the
Hawaii Department of
Agriculture's
Pesticides Branch.
There are two types
of certified applicators: Private Applicators and
Commercial Applicators. Private Applicators are those
who are involved in agricultural production (farming)
on land operated by themselves or their employer.
Commercial Applicators make up the rest. There are 11
categories of Commercial Applicators ranging from
Agricultural Plant Pest Control, Ornamental and Turf
Pest Control, Termite Pest Control, and Demonstration
and Research Pest Control. For your appropriate
category, contact the HDOA's Pesticides Branch. To
become certified, you must pass a written
examination(s). Certifications are good for five
years from date of issue. To arrange for testing,
contact the HDOA's Pesticides Branch. For study
material for the examination and for information on
preparatory classes, contact the University of
Hawaii, Cooperative Extension Service at
(808) 956-6007.
DO FIFRA 25(b)
“EXEMPT” PESTICIDES REQUIRE LICENSING/REGISTRATION IN HAWAII?
(return to top)
No. The Pesticides Branch does not
require licensing for pesticides that are exempt under FIFRA Section
25(b). (Includes “minimum risk pesticides” as defined under 40 CFR
152.25.)
DO FERTILIZERS REQUIRE
LICENSING/REGISTRATION IN HAWAII?
(return to top)
The
Pesticides Branch does not require licensing for fertilizers that
contain no pesticides. However, the Department’s Plant Quarantine
Branch regulates fertilizers that contain microorganisms and the
Measurement Standards Branch regulates packaging and labeling
requirements. For further information, contact the Plant Quarantine
Branch at (808) 832-0566, and the Measurement Standards Branch at
(808) 832-0676.
HOW DO I CONTACT
THE PESTICIDES BRANCH?
(return to top)
The Hawaii
Department of Agriculture's Pesticides Branch can be reached at:
Oahu
(808) 973-9411
Hawaii (808) 974-4143
Maui (808) 873-3960
Kauai (808) 274-3069
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