Regulations & Definitions
The Vector Control Branch executes Hawaii Revised Statutes §§321–322, and Hawaii Administrative Rule §11-26 to protect residents and tourists from nuisances and diseases caused by vectors.
Vector: an organism, usually an insect or other arthropod, rodent, or other animal, capable of transmitting the causative agents of human disease or affecting public health and well-being (Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR) §11-26-3).
Communicable Disease: an illness which arises through transmission of a specific infectious agent or its toxic products from an infected person, animal, or inanimate reservoir to a susceptible host ( HAR §11-156-2).
Imminent Vector Hazard: means an existing severe vector situation which in the opinion of the director can seriously impair the health, safety, or well-being of an individual or the public if not immediately abated.
Arthropods: an invertebrate (without spinal column) animals with jointed legs.
Eradication: the elimination or extermination of rodents and other public health vectors.
Foodstuff: articles used or intended to be used for food or drink by humans or animals.
Garbage: all discarded wastes resulting from the growing, handling, storage, preparation, cooking, and consumption of food.
Harborage: any condition or place which may provide shelter for public health vectors or favor their multiplication or continued existence.
Nuisances: any vector breeding sources and harborages, sources of filth, causes of sickness, disease, injury, or discomfort.
Opening: any aperture through which any vector may enter a building.
Pest Management: the utilization of a coordinated multiple control approach to secure the precision control of vectors, which includes but is not limited to a combination of chemical, biological, physical, mechanical, and environmental control measures.
Putrescible wastes: those waste materials of organic origin capable of breeding, harboring, or serving as a food sources for vectors.
Ratproof: to construct or repair so as to prevent the entrance of rats and other rodents into buildings from the exterior or from one building or establishment to another. Such construction consists of closure or barrier with materials impervious to rodents’ gnawing.
Refuse: putrescible wastes, rubbish, or trash, or a mixture of any of these items.
Rubbish: waste, broken or rejected matter, and all loose materials, not including garbage, whether combustible or not.