Ask the Mayor: Timeline for GMO Referendum Enforcement

Mayor remains neutral on GMO debate. Maui Now montage.

The mayor answers questions from the public in this series.

By Mayor Alan Arakawa

Q: Now that we know the seed companies’ lawsuit will be heard in federal court early next year, when can you start enforcing the new GMO law?

A: Until the ordinance becomes law, it cannot be enforced.

As it stands right now, a Federal court injunction prevents the County Clerk from publishing and certifying the voter initiative ordinance under the current Federal court order; this order is set to expire on March 31, 2015.

The Federal magistrate judge assigned to this case is expected to determine, among other things, whether the ordinance as written is legally valid under State and Federal law.

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.