HCC §14-128
Why this law exists: protecting island crops and nature
Read the official text at hawaiicounty.gov ↗This section explains the reason for the law: to keep genetically modified crops from mixing with regular crops and to protect the island's environment and native farming traditions. It also says the ban on growing or testing these crops in open air is meant to stop them from spreading to private land, public land, and waterways.
everyone
The ordinance, as written (Hawaiʻi County) — Purpose
A copy, taken August 21, 2026. The version published by Hawaiʻi County is the one that governs, and it may have changed since. Check it before relying on anything here.
The purpose of this article is to protect Hawai‘i Island’s non-genetically modified agricultural crops and plants from genetically modified organism cross pollination and to preserve Hawai‘i Island’s unique and vulnerable ecosystem while promoting the cultural heritage of indigenous agricultural practices. The prohibition of open air cultivation, propagation, development, or testing of genetically engineered crops and plants is intended to prevent the transfer and uncontrolled spread of genetically engineered organisms on to private property, public lands, and waterways. (2013, ord 13-121, sec 3.)14-128 SUPP. 3 (1-2018) 14-52 GENERAL WELFARE § 14-129
Published by the County of Hawaiʻi Office of the County Clerk.
LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.