Report Title:

Genetically Modified Coffee; Prohibition

Description:

Temporarily prohibits the growing of genetically modified coffee. Allows research on genetically modified coffee in environmentally secure facilities. 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1577
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to genetically modified coffee.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  Title 11, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new chapter to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"CHAPTER

GENETICALLY MODIFIED COFFEE

§    ‑1    Genetically modified coffee; moratorium.  (a)  Except as provided for in subsection (b), no genetically modified coffee shall be tested, propagated, cultivated, raised, or grown in the state.

     (b)  Research may be conducted on genetically modified coffee in an environmentally secure facility.

     (c)  A person that tests, propagates, cultivates, raises, or grows genetically modified coffee shall be civilly liable for damages that result from this activity.  Damages shall include but are not limited to adverse effects on other crops, on the health of individuals exposed to the genetically modified coffee, and on the environment.

     (d)  The department of agriculture shall establish rules to enforce this section. 

     (e)  As used in this section:

     "Environmentally secure facility" means an enclosed facility, such as a laboratory or greenhouse, in which precautions exist to prevent the exchange of genetic material between genetically modified coffee and non-genetically modified coffee.

     "Genetically modified" means alterations to a life form or its living progeny at the nucleic acid level, using the techniques collectively referred to as recombinant DNA technology.

     "Person" means an individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or any other legal entity.

     "Recombinant DNA technology" means the transfer of genes, regulatory sequences, or nucleic acid between hosts by the use of vectors or laboratory manipulations and includes the insertion, excision, duplication, inactivation, or relocation of specific genes, regulatory sequences, or sections of nucleic acid.  This term does not apply to material or an organism developed exclusively through traditional methods of breeding, hybridization, or nondirected mutagenesis."

     SECTION 2.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2007, and shall be repealed on June 30, 2012.

INTRODUCED BY:

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