Hawai’i County Council overrides Mayor’s veto of no-GMO bill

Special hearing leads to Council override.

In a special hearing on November 13th, 2008, with citizens testifying overwhelmingly in support, the Hawai’i County Council voted to override the Mayor’s veto of bill 361, banning genetically engineered taro and coffee in Hawai’i County (Hawai’i Island). They had unanimously approved the bill approximately one month earlier, however Mayor Harry Kim vetoed the bill.

The vote was again unanimous (7-0) among those council members present. Councilman Higa was off-island, and councilman Ikeda, though present for some of the hearing and citizen testimony, was absent when the vote was called.

Mahalo to all who testified in person, by phone, letter or e-mail in support of the override. This victory is making headlines far and wide.