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A bill that seeks to implement disclosure and use restrictions on pesticides and Genetically Modified Organisms in Maui County was introduced before the Council’s Policy and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee today.

Testimony started at 9 a.m. on Tuesday morning, Jan. 28, and concluded at 4:30 p.m.

The bill, introduced by Council Member Elle Cochran of West Maui would establish mandatory disclosure requirements for commercial agricultural entities that purchase or use certain quantities of pesticides or possess genetically modified organisms.

The bill would also establish provisions governing the use of pesticides by requiring the creation of pesticide buffer zones, and establish penalties to implement the measure.

Concerned farmers and ranchers have dubbed the measure as an “anti-agriculture bill,” a “harassment bill” and “over-burdensome,” while supporters of the restrictions say the disclosure bill is a “common sense measure” that would provide neighborhood notifications and buffer zones to help address health concerns.

Nearly 2,500 Maui County residents signed petition cards expressing their opposition to the bill being considered, according to Maui County Farm Bureau Executive Director Warren Watanabe.