HCC §14-131
Who is exempt from the genetically engineered crop rules
Read the official text at hawaiicounty.gov ↗This section lists two groups of people who do not have to follow the article's rules. One group grows certain genetically engineered crops in places they used before a set date, and the other grows genetically engineered papaya. Both must register their locations, and no one can do open air testing of any genetically engineered organisms.
landowners
The ordinance, as written (Hawaiʻi County) — Exemptions
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 following persons shall be exempt from the provisions of this article: (1) Persons engaged in the open air cultivation, propagation, or development of genetically engineered crops or plants, other than genetically engineered papaya, but only in those specific locations where genetically engineered crops or plants have been customarily open air cultivated, propagated, or developed by that person prior to December 5, 2013, provided that those specific locations or facilities are registered on or before March 5, 2014; and (2) Any person engaged in the open air cultivation, propagation, or development of genetically engineered papaya, whether prior or subsequent to December 5, 2013, provided that each location or facility wherein open air cultivation, propagation, or development of genetically engineered papaya occurs or will occur is registered as provided in this article. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, these exemptions shall not allow for open air testing of genetically engineered organisms of any kind. (2013, ord 13-121, sec 3.) 14-131
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.