The Hawaii Department of Agriculture announced Wednesday that Honolulu planner and mediator Peter Adler has been selected to facilitate a process that will examine possible health and environmental impacts associated with the use of pesticides applied to genetically modified agricultural products.
The Hawaii Department of Agriculture announced Wednesday that Honolulu planner and mediator Peter Adler has been selected to facilitate a process that will examine possible health and environmental impacts associated with the use of pesticides applied to genetically modified agricultural products.
The County of Kauai will partner in the project by providing funding support and collaborating with the state and the consultant throughout the process.
“This is an important effort that could be used in other counties to address both the controversial and divisive issues surrounding pesticides and the cultivation of genetically modified crops” said Scott Enright, chairperson of the Hawaii Board of Agriculture.
Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho applauded the state for taking the lead on this project.
“For the past year we’ve been working with the state and the seed companies to hold all entities accountable for addressing these issues,” said Carvalho. “With the help of our state legislative delegation, we have disclosure and buffer zones through the Good Neighbor Program. Now, we’re moving toward the environmental public health impact study and this effort shows the county can support the state as it carries out its legal responsibilities.”
It is anticipated that the process will start in January 2015, and be completed in not more than 12 months. Funding for this project totals $100,000 and is being equally shared by the County of Kauai and HDOA.