"And you do that how many times over?" said Yamada.

"500,000 times on this farm alone in one year," he said.

"It's all about research and development here in the state," said Cochran.

Cochran is one of many Hawaii lawmakers keeping a close eye on what's happening in Hawaii.

"What they create on Maui is what they're sending out worldwide. It's the top breed, the cream of the crop, so to speak," she said.

Cochran is concerned about GMO crops statewide.

The Hawaii State Association of Counties presents a package to lawmakers every session.

Cochran championed a provision to support GMO labeling.

All counties approved it, except for Oahu, so that provision was dropped.

"We had hours and hours of testimony, really heart-felt testimony," she said.