Report Title:

Genetically modified coffee

Description:

Imposes a moratorium on the release and planting of genetically modified coffee in the county of Hawaii until a permit process has been developed. Establishes a permitting process.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

99

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2003

 

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. Coffee has been grown continuously in the districts of north and south Kona for over one hundred and seventy years. Coffee from this area is referred to as Kona typica and is acknowledged to be one of the highest quality coffees in the world. Kona coffee provides an enormous economic contribution to the county of Hawaii and the State of Hawaii, generating approximate yields of three million pounds of green coffee annually with an estimated income at the farm gate in excess of $15,000,000, and a much higher value at the wholesale and retail levels.

Three research institutes on Oahu are currently conducting research to develop genetically modified coffee plants. Although coffee is primarily self-pollinated, it may be cross-pollinated ten per cent of the time. Therefore, nongenetically modified coffee in the neighboring orchards could become pollinated with genetically modified pollen.

Because organic coffee is an expanding high value niche crop within the Kona coffee industry, the legislature finds that it must be protected from any traces of genetically modified interference. Currently, the county of Hawaii has no regulatory authority or department with the scientific competence to regulate the release and development of genetically modified coffee crops.

The purpose of this Act is to:

(1) Impose a moratorium on the release and planting of genetically modified coffee plants in the districts of north and south Kona;

(2) Establish a regional regulatory panel to extensively evaluate genetic contamination from pollen drift and other environmental consequences associated with the development and genetically modified coffee stock and its release; and

(3) Require the department of agriculture to work with Kona coffee industry group leaders to develop a permitting process for genetically modified coffee.

SECTION 2. There is imposed a moratorium on the release and planting of genetically modified coffee plants in the county of Hawaii until a regional regulatory panel and the department of agriculture establishes a permitting process for genetically modified coffee.

SECTION 3. A regional regulatory panel (panel) shall be established by the department of agriculture. The panel shall extensively evaluate genetic contamination from pollen drift and other environmental consequences and secondary ecological effects to assure that the biological integrity of Kona heritage coffee is preserved and the market value of Kona coffee is protected from any adverse consequences and secondary effects associated with the development of genetically modified coffee stock and its release.

SECTION 4. The department of agriculture and the panel shall establish a joint committee to develop a permitting process that includes:

(1) Advance notification to the Kona coffee industry of permit applications for release or planting of genetically modified coffee in the county of Hawaii;

(2) Public hearing for input from the Kona coffee growers as to the potential impact of release or planting of genetically modified coffee in the county of Hawaii prior to any permit being granted;

(3) Having members from the Kona coffee industry serve on the permitting body; and

(4) Requiring unanimous vote on the permitting body.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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