The Kauai County Council on Wednesday rejected a proposed charter amendment to regulate the use of pesticides and growth of genetically engineered crops by large agri-businesses.

The Council voted 4-3 against a motion to receive a revised petition to put the issue on the November ballot.

Council Chairman Jay Furfaro and Council members Mel Rapozo, JoAnn Yukimura and Ross Kagawa voted against the motion on behalf of Kauai Rising. Councilman Mason Chock voted silent, which is considered an affirmative vote. Councilmen Tim Bynum and Gary Hooser voted in support of the motion.

The Council then voted 5-0 to reject the petition. Bynum and Hooser were excused to attend a federal court hearing concerning a lawsuit filed against the county by four seed companies that claim the new pesticides-GMO law is invalid.