Federal Grant of Nearly $400K Aimed at Pesticide Enforcement in Hawaii

HONOLULU (Hawaii News Now) – Hawaii has been granted almost $400,000 from federal sources to enhance the enforcement of pesticide regulations. The funding, totaling $382,325, will be allocated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to the state’s Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity Pesticides Branch for fiscal year 2027, ending in September 2027.

The state intends to utilize this grant to support three new positions, which will include a pair of inspectors and a chemist. Should federal support continue over the next two fiscal years, this grant could ultimately exceed $1.2 million. “This funding is pivotal in our mission to ensure pesticides are used in a safe, responsible manner across the state,” stated Esther Riechert, Manager of the Pesticides Branch. The Biosecurity Pesticides Branch will conduct investigations into illegal pesticide sales and utilization while also providing educational outreach on pesticide safety for the community.