Kauai County Council members heard testimonies from residents and farmers regarding Bill 2491, which would severely regulate pesticide use and genetically engineered crops. If Bill 2491 would pass into law, there would be a complete ban on all open-air testing of experimental pesticides and GMOs, and a 500-foot pesticide-free buffer zone around all schools, hospitals, public roads, streams and shorelines. There would also be a mandatory disclosure by large agribusinesses or offer genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Supporters of the bill state that it is important for residents and tourists to know what they are consuming and are concerned that high levels of pesticides could be harmful to the general public. Opponents of the bill argue that it would affect agricultural businesses, especially the 500-foot buffer zone, which would significantly reduce usable farmland.
Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 8-1-2013, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Broker-in-Charge, REALTOR®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
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