Mayor Billy Kenoi said he expects to make a decision on Bill 113 next week. Mayor Billy Kenoi said he expects to make a decision on Bill 113 next week. ADVERTISING The Hawaii County Council passed the bill, which restricts
Mayor Billy Kenoi said he expects to make a decision on Bill 113 next week.
The Hawaii County Council passed the bill, which restricts genetically modified crops, Tuesday.
County Clerk Stewart Maeda said the bill will likely be sent to Kenoi for consideration today.
He will have 10 working days to decide whether to sign the bill, veto it, or let it go into effect without his signature. The nine-member council could override a veto with six votes.
Kenoi said Wednesday he will sit down with staff to discuss the bill, including whether it meets legal standards. The process may take a few days, he said, adding “we will be making a decision probably sometime next week.”
“We’ll take a look at the language and try to get as much input as possible,” Kenoi said. “Then we’ll be making our decision at that time.”
In regards to the vote, Christine Hirasa, a spokeswoman for Gov. Neil Abercrombie, said in a statement Wednesday that such decisions should be “based on proven science.”
“The administration will continue to work toward a regulatory structure that protects and balances the needs of farmers, Hawaii’s agriculture industry, and the people of Hawaii,” the statement continued.
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