Biofortified’s Karl Haro von Mogel breaks down Kauai’s bill 2491, which passed in the Kauai City Council 6-1. He notes differences between the first and second drafts of the bill, such as clarification of where pesticide buffer zones were required and how much pesticide use was allowed. Kauai’s Mayor, Bernard Carvalho Jr, has until October 31st to either sign the bill or veto it and send it back to the council.
The final bill included several provisions regarding notification, such as a weekly pesticide spray notice to neighbors within 1,500 feet of the field, and signs on public roadways. Each week, pesticide usage would be reported to the county, and posted publicly. The bill mandates worker notifications for pesticide sprays as well, to follow already-established EPA and state standards.
The use of genetically modified organisms of all types by commercial agricultural entities (anyone who grows or develops agricultural products) would be reported the following year to the State of Hawai’i, with the location and crop generalized.
Read the full, original story here: “Kaua’i County Bill 2491 passes 6-1”
