Honolulu. The House passed a bill introduced by Rep. Mele Carroll that would prohibit the development, testing, propagation, release, importation, planting, or growing of genetically modified Hawaiian taro in the state. House Bill 1663 HD1 also prohibits certain activities related to genetically modified non-Hawaiian taro.
“We were able to feed our people for generations,” said Rep. Mele Carroll. “Researchers should look at Hawaiian practices and determine the real causes of crop depletion.”
In 2008, the State Legislature established the two-year taro security and purity task force under Act 211, Session Laws of Hawai‘i 2008, to address non GMO alternatives to taro farmer issues, including land and water concerns, threats from pests, diseases and taro imports, educational opportunities, and economic issues. In November of 2008, the county of Hawai‘i passed Ordinance No. 361 banning the testing, propagating, cultivating, raising, planting, growing, introduction, or release of genetically modified taro on that island.
The purpose of this HB1663 HD1 is to further protect the cultural integrity of kalo as part of the heritage of the Hawaiian people and the State; the genetic biodiversity and integrity of Hawaiian taro varieties in the State as part of the sacred trust between the State and the indigenous peoples of Hawaii; and Hawai‘i taro farmers’ raw taro, poi, lu‘au, and value-added markets, by establishing a ban on developing, testing, propagating, releasing, importing, planting, and growing of genetically modified Hawaiian taro in the State of Hawai‘i. Any person who violates the ban shall be guilty of a petty misdemeanor.
HB1663 HD1 passed Third Reading in the House with one no vote.
Representative Mele Carroll 