by Andrew Walden

Maui Councilmember Ellie Cochran November 29, 2013 introduced "'A BILL FOR AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 20, MAUl COUNTY CODE, RELATING TO PESTICIDES AND GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS' to be placed on the December 6, 2013, Council agenda."  The bill has not yet been assigned a number.

Cochran's bill calls for: "Mandatory disclosure of pesticides and genetically modified organisms.  Pesticide buffer zones.  Environmental and public health impacts study."

Cochran would hammer farmers, landscapers and gardeners with "civil fine(s) of not less than $10,000 and not more than $25,000 per day, per violation." 

Maui marijuana growers would find themselves subject to the law as well because the most potent marijuana strains are GMOs.

The bill is similar to the Kauai Bill 2471 recently passed over a mayoral veto.

Bill Text: HERE

LINK: Maui Council Website