Three Senate committees approved a bill to require large agricultural companies to abide by buffer zones for spraying restricted-use pesticides around schools and other sensitive areas.

Anti-GMO advocates are drumming up support for the measure to limit where large ag companies like Monsanto can spray pesticides.

Sen. Josh Green wants to require more disclosure of chemical use by farmers and impose buffer zones around schools, but it will be an uphill battle.

Consultant plans to engage community and evaluate scientific evidence starting in January.

Frustrated counties are trying to pick up the slack left by state agencies that say they need more resources to adequately monitor and regulate pesticide use.

With thousands of dollars being spent to shape voters’ perceptions on genetically modified organisms, Ige, Aiona and Hannemann weigh in.

A video blogger on Maui argues that the state’s biotech companies are an affront to the islands’ natural farming systems. (VIDEO)

UPDATE: Officials on the Big Island and in Maui County are analyzing the implications of Monday’s court decision striking down Kauai’s regulations on GMO farming and pesticides.

Biotech companies seek to invalidate Kauai County ordinance regulating pesticide spraying and requiring disclosure of genetically engineered crops

The county has requested an additional $50,000, bringing total cost of case against biotechnology companies to $125,000