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The fight over regulating genetically engineered crops in three Hawaii counties was back in a federal courtroom [June 15] . . .
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral arguments in Honolulu on ordinances that seek to regulate or outlaw genetically engineered crops in Hawaii, Kauai and Maui counties.
Agrichemical companies and trade associations sued each county, and federal court rulings sided with the businesses. The counties and interested environmental groups want the 9th Circuit to overturn the decisions.
There is scant scientific evidence to prove that foods grown from engineered seeds are less safe than their conventional counterparts. But in the islands, some are still concerned, especially about the use of pesticides.
. . . .
U.S. District Chief Judge Susan Oki Mollway ruled last June that federal and state law pre-empts [Maui] county’s ban on cultivating genetically engineered crops, making it invalid. . . .
Two years ago, Kauai and Hawaii counties adopted measures regulating GMO crops and pesticides. U.S. Magistrate Judge Barry Kurren struck them down, saying state law superseded them.
Read full, original post: Rules on GMO Crops in Hawaii Heads to US Appeals Court
