From Lawn to Reef: Formalizing Fertilizer Best Practices in Hawaii

Abstract

Fertilizer nitrates pose a significant threat to marine life decline and human health. This project delivers the resources created for the continued development of a bill drafted to regulate fertilizer use in Hawaii. Included is a draft of the fertilizer bill, a literature review of materials utilized to determine fertilizer impact on marine ecosystems as well as on human health, a vocabulary guide to the Clean Water Act, and a summary of Hawaii fertilizer best management practices. In addition, this project also includes an educational brochure and a sticker design to be available for fertilizer distributors to supplement our draft and act as a more immediate option for fertilizer awareness. These resources are intended to be available to assist in introducing the bill into the next legislative session by individuals who are familiarized with the development of this bill and who will be dedicated to supporting the life cycle of this bill.