VICTORY: GMO crops banned on Hawaii island

Hawaii imports over 90 percent of its food. Biotech companies claim that greater use of genetically modified crops will make Hawaii more self-sufficient in its food supply, but in reality they are growing these crops on the other four islands for use in industrial agriculture in other parts of the world. And because genetically modified seeds must be re-purchased by farmers every season, there is no chance to adapt crops to local climate conditions through locally grown seeds by farmers – something key to food security.

Bill 113 bans the production of genetically modified crops to protect Hawaii’s biodiversity and prevent further contamination of seed supply, the destruction of land and the poisoning of families through increased pesticide use. 

Thanks to activism – including 3,900 petition signatures – Hawaii Island Mayor Billy Kenoi signed Bill 113 into law on Thursday, Dec. 5.