REPORT FROM EARTH JUSTICE – On Saturday the Kauaʻi County Council voted 5-2 to override Mayor Bernard Carvalho’s veto of a bill that would require users of large amounts of restricted use pesticides—most of whom on Kaua’i are producers of genetically engineered crops—to disclose the chemicals they spray.
The measure also puts in place pesticide buffer zones around sensitive areas like waterways, nursing homes, residences and parks, and requires disclosure of where genetically modified crops are being grown. The bill is now law, and will take effect in 9 months.
Earthjustice attorney Paul Achitoff said: “Requiring the chemical companies to limit their harm to people and the environment as provided in this law is common sense. Any responsible company that cares about being a good steward and a good neighbor would take these steps. The Kauaʻi County Council deserves tremendous credit for stepping up and protecting its citizens in the face of the chemical industry’s bullying threats, and Earthjustice and the community stands with them. If or when industry challenges this law in court, we will be there to defend it.”