"Judge Blocks a Local Pesticide Law in Hawaii"

"The law, Ordinance 960, which was enacted last year, bitterly divided the normally idyllic island and also captured global attention. Hawaii’s year-round growing season had made the state a hub for the development of genetically engineered corn seeds that are then planted throughout the United States and in other countries. Corn stalks now sprout where pineapples and sugar cane once grew.

A federal judge in Hawaii has struck down a local ordinance that would have restricted or regulated the use of pesticides and genetically modified crops on the island of Kauai, saying the measure was pre-empted by state law.

The decision issued Monday represents a victory for Syngenta and three other seed and chemical companies that had brought the lawsuit, saying that the ordinance would place unnecessary and unfair restrictions on their operations."

Andrew Pollack reports for the New York Times August 25, 2014.

SEE ALSO:

"U.S. Court Overturns Law Limiting Biotech Crops on Hawaiian Island" (Reuters)

"Federal Judge Invalidates Kauai’s Anti-GMO Law" (Honolulu Civil Beat)