Ask the Mayor: GMO Ballot Question Interpretation

Mayor remains neutral on GMO debate. Maui Now montage.

The mayor answers questions from the public in this series.

By Mayor Alan Arakawa

Q: I’ve been hearing so many different things about the GMO ballot initiative, but I’m more confused than ever. I’d like to be better educated on the facts before I head to the polls on election day.

How can I get a copy of the entire bill so I can read the proposed legislation myself? Also, does a blank vote for the ballot initiative count as a non-vote, or a “No” vote?

A: A blank vote for the voter initiative questions counts as exactly that: a non-vote.

You can read the full text of the proposed bill at www.mauicounty.gov/Clerk; scroll down to the “Election Responsibilities” tab and click on “Public Notice 2014 Charter Amendments and Voter Initiative” (English or Ilocano).

Hard copies are also available at the County Clerk’s Office on the 7th floor of the County Building, and at the front desk of my office on the 9th floor of the County Building.

And you’re right: It’s important that you read the language of this proposed bill carefully so you can make your own determination on the merit of the bill and cast an informed vote.

Want to Ask the Mayor?

Submit your questions about County of Maui programs, services, operations or policies to Mayor Alan Arakawa via email: AskTheMayor@mauicounty.gov, phone: 270-7855 or mail: 200 S. High Street, 9th Floor, Wailuku, Hawaii 96793. Questions submitted will be considered for inclusion in the Ask the Mayor column.