comscore Federal judge rules against Hawaii island GMO law | Honolulu Star-Advertiser
Business | Top News

Federal judge rules against Hawaii island GMO law

Honolulu Star-Advertiser logo
Unlimited access to premium stories for as low as $12.95 /mo.
Get It Now
  • RON KOSEN / 2013
    The Kauai County Council will consider repealing a law

A federal judge has ruled that Hawaii County can’t enforce a law restricting genetically engineered crops because it’s pre-empted by state law.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Barry Kurren’s order issued Wednesday is similar to his earlier decision invalidating Kauai County’s law on pesticides and genetically modified crops.

Hawaii County Corporation Counsel Molly Stebbins says the decision is disappointing but not surprising given the Kauai ruling. She says the county is evaluating whether to appeal.

Attorney Margery Bronster says she’s pleased with the ruling. She represents the group that sued to invalidate the Hawaii County law. The group includes Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery Association, Hawaii Papaya Industry Association and Biotechnology Industry Organization.

Kurren is also the magistrate for a similar challenge to Maui County’s new law banning cultivation of genetically modified organisms.

Comments have been disabled for this story...

Click here to see our full coverage of the coronavirus outbreak. Submit your coronavirus news tip.

Be the first to know
Get web push notifications from Star-Advertiser when the next breaking story happens — it's FREE! You just need a supported web browser.
Subscribe for this feature

Scroll Up