Dive Summary:

• The most recent GMO labeling bill to hit the Hawaiian state senate has been effectively halted as it failed to pass the committee stage.
• The hearing had the state's agricultural lobby out in full force, with representatives from Monsanto testifying to the safety of GM foods.
• Supporters of the bill admit that it was flawed and perhaps rushed, allowing for the opportunity to draft a new and more complete bill in the future.

From the article:

Island agricultural interests, including some Monsanto Co. employees, testified to the safety of GM foods and argued labeling requirements would impose unnecessary costs on the food and agricultural industries.

Even supporters of the labeling law said that as it passed the House, HB 174 had flaws that needed to be fixed before it ever became law. But advocates insist the public has a right to know which foods contained genetically modified organisms (GMOs).