HI SB2454

Establishes an agricultural genetically modified organism task force to determine whether Hawaii should regulate the agricultural use of genetically modified organisms and to be attached to the department of agriculture for administrative purposes.

Task force comprises the University of Hawaii vice president for research and innovation (chairperson), board of agriculture chairperson, director of health, and four governor-selected scientific experts, with invitations to Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation, Hawaii Farmers Union United, and other stakeholders.

Task force shall analyze benefits and drawbacks of establishing state regulations for agricultural GMOs and make recommendations on regulatory structure if state regulation is deemed necessary.

Attorney general shall provide legal advice to the task force upon request, and members serve without pay but receive reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses.

Task force must report findings and recommendations to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2016 regular session and shall be dissolved on June 30, 2016.