Frame grab from the Livestream video provided by H. Doug Matsuoka
HONOLULU, Hawaii – Senate legislation that would preempt the county’s right to ban genetically engineered crops appears to have died in committee.
Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Clarence Nishihara, failed to get the votes needed to advance his amended Right to Farm bill.
The measure would have ensured that counties cannot enact laws, ordinances, or resolutions to limit the rights of farmers and ranchers to engage in modern farming and ranching practices. It would have nullified the ban on new GMO crops enacted by Hawaii County last year.
The language of SB3058 was inserted into SB110, a short form bill, and brought before the committee for a vote without public testimony. The procedure was called a “sneak attack” by opponents of the biotech industry. However, even on short notice, the conference room was packed with anti-GMO activists and the vote was even livestreamed by H. Doug Matsuoka.
The committee was split 3 to 3. Senate Vice President Ronald Kouchi, Senator J. Kalani English, and Senator Laura Thielen all voted no.
Meanwhile, Rep. Jessica Wooley, chairwoman of the House Agriculture Committee, told the Star Advertiser she has no immediate plans to hear a House version of the right-to-farm bill.
Status of bills represent up-to-date information via State Legislative website
SB110 SD1 – Short form bill
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SB3058 – Amends Hawaii’s Right to Farm Act to ensure that counties cannot enact laws, ordinances, or resolutions to limit the rights of farmers and ranchers to engage in modern farming and ranching practices.
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HB2506 – Amends Hawaii’s Right to Farm Act to ensure that counties cannot enact laws, ordinances, or resolutions to limit the rights of farmers and ranchers to engage in modern farming and ranching practices.
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STORY SUMMARY
HONOLULU, Hawaii – Senate legislation that would preempt the county’s right to ban genetically engineered crops appears to have died in committee. Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Clarence Nishihara, failed to get the votes needed to advance his amended Right to Farm bill. The measure would have ensured that counties cannot enact laws, ordinances, […]