Hawaii: GMO bill could see ban on Rainbow papayas
The law, which is expected to be submitted to the Hawaii County Council by council member Brenda Ford, proposes fines of up to $1,000 per day and 30 days in jail for farmers or landowners who are growing genetically modified crops.
The bill — which bans genetically modified animals and feed, in addition to crops — is the latest volley in Hawaii's heated debate and legal battles over GMOs. The prohibition of new GMO crops would take effect immediately.
Civil Beat received an advanced copy of the bill, which comes on the heels of a similar piece of legislation proposed by Council Member Margaret Wille earlier this year.
Wille withdrew her bill this month during what was expected to be a final vote by the county council — it is unclear why — but she has suggested that she would submit a revised version. At the time, Ford vowed to submit a different GMO bill.
Neither Ford or Wille could be reached for comments on this story.
The bill is already spurring protests from some local farmers and other supporters of GMO crops.
Source: www.civilbeat.com