Lānaʻi Agricultural Operations Face Compliance Risk as Final Pesticide Disposal Event Concludes March 24, 2026

This is the last opportunity for Lānaʻi-based agricultural operations to dispose of unwanted or expired pesticides through the state-sanctioned program. After March 24, 2026, operators will be solely responsible for finding and funding compliant disposal methods, risking significant penalties and environmental liabilities.

The Change

The Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity is hosting its second and final statewide pesticide disposal event of the year on Lānaʻi on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. This event, running from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., represents the culmination of the statewide program, marking the end of publicly funded and organized disposal services for agricultural pesticides in the state for the foreseeable future. Between 2023 and 2024, the program collected a substantial 39,200 pounds of waste pesticides statewide, with Lānaʻi alone contributing 12,642 pounds during that period. This concluding event on Lānaʻi is critical as it is the final designated drop-off point for this program.

Who's Affected

Agriculture & Food Producers (Farmers, Ranchers, Food Processors, Aquaculture Operators on Lānaʻi):

• Compliance Risk: This event is the final scheduled opportunity for these operators on Lānaʻi to offload waste pesticides in a manner that is both legally compliant and environmentally safe. Future disposal will require sourcing private, potentially costly, and complex disposal services. The cost of non-compliance, including potential fines from the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), can be substantial and could exceed the cost of utilizing this program.
• Environmental Liability: Improper storage or disposal of outdated pesticides can lead to soil and water contamination, potentially impacting agricultural land usability and local ecosystems. This program mitigates these risks by ensuring proper handling and disposal.
• Operational Continuity: Ensuring proper waste management, including pesticide disposal, is a fundamental aspect of sustainable agricultural operations. Failing to address this can disrupt operations and damage customer trust and brand reputation.
• Historical Data: Lānaʻi producers have historically utilized this program, demonstrating a need for accessible disposal options. The collection of 12,642 pounds between 2023-2024 highlights significant pesticide usage and subsequent waste generation on the island.

Second-Order Effects

The cessation of state-sponsored pesticide disposal programs will place a greater burden on individual agricultural operators. This increased cost and logistical complexity for pesticide disposal can potentially:

• Increased Operating Costs for Lānaʻi Farms: Disposal fees from private contractors or increased travel to off-island disposal sites will directly raise operational expenses for Lānaʻi farmers.
• Reduced Input Application: Some smaller or less capitalized farms might delay or reduce the application of necessary pesticides due to disposal cost concerns, potentially impacting crop yields and quality.
• Land Use Strain: In the longer term, if disposal becomes prohibitively expensive, there's a risk of improper storage or disposal on private lands, leading to localized environmental contamination and impacting future land use potential or property values.

What to Do

Agriculture & Food Producers on Lānaʻi:

ACT NOW:

1. Inventory Waste Pesticides: Immediately identify all waste, unwanted, or expired pesticide containers on your property. Ensure they are stored securely and safely, following all existing labeling and containment guidelines.
2. Confirm Eligibility and Drop-off Procedures: Visit the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture website or contact their Pest Control Branch to confirm specific eligibility criteria for the March 24th event (e.g., types of pesticides accepted, container requirements) and to understand the exact drop-off location and procedures on Lānaʻi.
3. Arrange Transportation: Coordinate the safe transportation of your inventoried waste pesticides to the designated disposal site on Lānaʻi on March 24, 2026. Given Lānaʻi's transportation constraints, early planning is essential.
4. Attend the Disposal Event: Ensure that the pesticide waste is delivered to the Lānaʻi disposal site between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. on March 24, 2026. This is your final opportunity under this program.

Post-March 24, 2026:

• Research Private Disposal Options: Begin researching and obtaining quotes from certified hazardous waste disposal companies that operate in or can service Hawaiʻi, specifically Lānaʻi. Factor these costs into your future budgeting.
• Explore Alternative Products: Investigate integrated pest management (IPM) strategies or alternative, less hazardous pest control products to minimize future pesticide reliance and disposal burdens.