Requires life science companies that operate as crop producers to make public disclosure of locations of crop fields and test sites of genetically modified crops and to specify the types of genetic tests conducted.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the impact of genetically engineered crops on the environment, which includes people and plants, is unknown. A number of companies now conduct genetic testing and grow genetically altered crops in this State. Since 2003, the United States Department of Agriculture issued two hundred eighty-nine permits to grow genetically engineered crops in Hawaii. These crops are grown near communities, schools, gardens, natural crop fields, and forests.

The purpose of this Act is to protect the environment, the public, and other industries by requiring disclosure of the locations of crop fields and testing sites where genetically engineered crops are grown or tested in this State, and the types of genetic testing being conducted.

SECTION 2. Chapter 145, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§145-   Genetically engineered crops; life science producers; duty to disclose; testing. (a) A life science company that operates in this State as a producer of crops shall:

(b) The department shall adopt rules pursuant to section 145-15 including, but not limited to, minimum disclosure requirements and the defining of terms necessary for the purposes of implementing this section."

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.