Hawaii Mayor Vetoes Measure Curbing Pesticides, GMO Crops
The mayor of Kauai County, Hawaii, has vetoed a bill that sought to restrict pesticide use by agricultural companies developing genetically modified (GM) crops on the island. The bill would have required biotechnology crop companies to disclose what pesticides they use and established no-spray zones around schools, residences, medical facilities, roads, and waterways. Although the provision that aimed to restrict the growing of GM crops was eventually removed, seed companies that operate on Kauai reportedly said that the measure would disrupt their operations.
Calling the bill “legally flawed,” Kauai County Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. purportedly agreed with the intent of the bill but argued instead for a study of the environmental and health impacts of pesticide use on the island. “We can and will find legal means to address these important health and safety issues,” Carvalho said in a statement.
Critics reportedly claim that biotech crops contribute to extensive pesticide use, which causes environmental damage and health concerns for people and animals. But industry insiders state that biotech crops are crucial for increasing global food production and improving environmental sustainability, noting that pesticide use is already well regulated by state and federal officials. Meanwhile, Executive Director of the Hawaii Crop Improvement Association Alicia Maluafiti noted that her group was glad to see it vetoed. “This measure, although intended to be good for the community, would have had long-term negative effects on all agriculture in Kauai and our state, not just the seed industry or big agriculture,” she reportedly said.
According to a news source, the Kauai County Council will meet on November 14, 2013, to consider whether to accept or override the Mayor’s veto. Five out of six votes are apparently needed for an override. See Reuters, October 31, 2013; Honolulu Star Advertiser, November 7, 2013.
Issue 503
