HONOLULU (AP) — A federal judge has ruled that a Kauai County law requiring companies to disclose their use of pesticides and genetically modified crops is invalid.
HONOLULU (AP) — A federal judge has ruled that a Kauai County law requiring companies to disclose their use of pesticides and genetically modified crops is invalid.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Barry Kurren ruled Monday in favor of four seed companies seeking to stop Kauai’s new law from going into effect. The companies argued the local ordinance is invalid and unfairly targets their industry.
Kurren’s ruling says the ordinance is pre-empted by state law.
The law also requires companies to establish buffer zones around sensitive areas, including schools and hospitals.
The law was scheduled to go into effect Aug. 16 but the court extended it to October. However, the judge’s ruling stops the county from enforcing the ordinance.
Attorneys for companies say they’re pleased. Attorneys representing the county couldn’t immediately be reached for comment.
Hawaii County’s law banning most modified crops is also being challenged in U.S. District Court. A motion for summary judgment on behalf of the plaintiffs is scheduled to be heard Oct. 23.