• What is a pesticide?
• How do I use pesticides safely?
• What can I do about old and unused pesticides?
• How should I store pesticides?
• Do I need to be certified to use pesticides?
• Do FIFRA 25(b) “exempt” pesticides require licensing/registration in Hawaii?
• Do fertilizers require licensing/registration in Hawaii?
• How do I contact the Pesticides Branch?
  

WHAT IS A PESTICIDE?

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?

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:

• If it is a pesticide that has been restricted, suspended or cancelled, special precautions must be taken. Call the Hawaii Department of Agriculture's Pesticides Branch for information.
• If you are not able to use the pesticide, it must be treated as a hazardous waste. Contact the Hawaii Department of Agriculture's Pesticides Branch, the Hawaii Department of Health's Hazardous Waste Program at (808) 586-4226 or the City and County of Honolulu Household Hazardous Waste Program at (808) 527-5358 for guidance.

• 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.  Click on the following link for information on study packets and preparatory courses:  http://pestworld.stjohn.hawaii.edu/epp/pat.html

DO FIFRA 25(b) “EXEMPT” PESTICIDES REQUIRE LICENSING/RGISTRATION 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) 973-9401
Hawaii   (808) 974-4142
Maui      (808) 873-3555
Kauai    (808) 274-3069

See Pesticide Branch Contacts for more contact information.