Hawaii has been at ground zero, politically and legally, when it comes to genetically modified organisms and pesticide use.

A new report from the New York Times is likely to further the discussion — and controversy.

The extensive examination has two main findings:

• “genetic modification in the United States and Canada has not accelerated increases in crop yields or led to an overall reduction in the use of chemical pesticides”; and
• “at the same time, herbicide use has increased in the United States, even as major crops like corn, soybeans and cotton have been converted to modified varieties.”

The article adds, “Fears about the harmful effects of eating G.M. foods have proved to be largely without scientific basis.”

But there may be problems with the use of chemicals associated with GMO crops. That is a concern that has been raised repeatedly in Hawaii.

Just last week a Hawaii Island County Council member introduced a bill that would prohibit the application of herbicides carrying labels of “dangerous,” “warning,” “toxic to fish,” “toxic to fish and wildlife” or that indicate a risk of groundwater contamination.

“The bill recommends alternatives such as manual or mechanized removal, nontoxic alternatives or planting of cover crops,” West Hawaii Today reports.

The legislation would apply to “county-owned or -maintained public parks and along all county-owned or -maintained roads, bikeways, sidewalks, trails and waterways. It would not apply to private property.”