A federal court ruling overturning the county of Kauai’s ordinance on the use of pesticides and genetically modified crops is likely to be only the first shot in Hawaii’s ongoing struggle to curb the practice. Seeking to address the concerns of organic farmers and citizens, Kauai Ordinance 960 required more disclosure from farmers and biotech companies like Syngenta and Dow Chemical about pesticides and genetically modified crops.
“This decision in no way diminishes the health and environmental concerns of the people of Kauai,” Kurren wrote. “The Court’s ruling simply recognizes that the State of Hawaii has established a comprehensive framework for addressing the application of restricted use pesticides and the planting of GMO crops, which presently precludes local regulation by the County.”
Monday’s court decision striking down the legislation has immediate ramifications for the state, and could spell trouble for similar measures in the rest of country. Following the passage of the Kauai ordinance, Hawaii County passed a ban on any new genetically modified food crops, which exempts GMO papayas. An initiative on the ballot in Maui County proposes a similar ban. Both measures are now thrown into question. A challenge to the Hawaii ban will be heard by the same judge.
Read the full, original article: Kauai ruling a win for Syngenta, setback for environmentalists
