RES 272 Draft 02 2012-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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36 regulate the cultivation of genetically modified crops by way of 37 Senate Bill No. 590 , a proposed amendment to the Right to Farm 38 Act aimed at insulating these corporations from lawsuits and 39 regulations that might in some manner curtail their cultivation, 40 development, or testing of genetically engineered crops in the 41 State of Hawai ' i . The counties abhor these efforts to undermine 42 local government protection of the people and the environment . 43 44 SECTION 2 . Section 165-1, Hawai ' i Revised Statutes, is 45 amended to read as follows : 46 47 "§165-1 Findings and purpose. The legislature finds that 48 when nonagricultural land uses extend into agricultural areas, 49 farming operations often become the subject of nuisance lawsuits 50 that may result in the premature removal of lands from 51 agricultural use and may discourage future investments in 52 agriculture . The legislature also finds that under the Hawaii 53 State Planning Act, it is a declared policy of this State to 54 "foster attitudes and activities conducive to maintaining 55 agriculture as a major sector of Hawaii ' s economy. " Accordingly, 56 it is the purpose of this chapter to reduce the loss to the 57 State of its agricultural resources by limiting the 58 circumstances under which farming operations may be deemed to be 59 a nuisance. This act is intended to prevent the inappropriate 60 intrusion of non-agricultural land uses into agricultural areas 61 and is not meant to insulate those engaged in the cultivation, 62 development, or testing of genetically engineered crops or 63 plants from legitimate public or private nuisance claims or 64 other civil actions resulting from the contamination of non- 65 genetically engineered crop farms, neighboring properties, or 66 adjacent waterways . " 67 68 SECTION 3 . New statutory material is underscored. 69 70 SECTION 4 . This Act shall take effect upon its approval . 71 72 73 74 75 INTRODUCED BY: 2