GMO Labeling, TAT Considered for Maui Legislative Package

By Wendy Osher

Riki Hokama, Lanai Council Member and Chair of the Maui Council's Policy Committee.

The Maui County Council’s Policy Committee will consider 11 proposals next week for possible inclusion in the 2012 Hawaii State Association of Counties Legislative Package.

The proposals to be considered include state bills relating to: easing visa restrictions on the People’s Republic of China; maintaining the counties’ share of the transient accommodations tax (TAT); agricultural product branding and country or region of origin labeling; increasing the gallonage tax on liquor; and requiring publication of notice and a public hearing for certain types of adult residential care homes.

“The Maui County Council has already approved three proposed state bills, including a proposed bill requiring the labeling of genetically engineered food products, for inclusion in the HSAC package,” said Policy Chair Riki Hokama.

“Now it is up to the councils of the other counties to consider those proposals, while we consider theirs,” he said.

Hokama noted that only those proposals that are approved by all four councils will be included in the HSAC package for introduction at the 2012 state legislative session.