"Federal Judge Rules Big Island GMO Law Invalid"

"HONOLULU — A Hawaii County law restricting genetically engineered crops is invalid, a federal judge said in an order issued Wednesday.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Barry Kurren's decision is similar to his earlier ruling invalidating Kauai County's law on pesticides and genetically modified crops. He's the same magistrate judge who is handling a lawsuit against Maui County's new law banning the cultivation of genetically modified organisms.

The Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery Association, Hawaii Papaya Industry Association, Big Island Banana Growers Association, Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Pacific Floral Exchange, Biotechnology Industry Organization and various farmers sued to invalidate the ordinance that went into effect in December banning new cultivation of any genetically modified crops and testing of GMO crops unless in enclosed spaces such as greenhouses. The ordinance allowed for exemptions for papayas."

Jennifer Sinco Kelleher reports for the Associated Press November 26, 2014.