Anti-GMO Supporters Rally at County Building, Council Chambers

GMO initiative supporters held an early morning rally on Friday, Feb. 6, at the Maui County Building. Courtesy photo.

By Debra Lordan

In response to a recent decision by Maui County attorneys, an early morning rally was held on Friday, Feb. 6, at the Maui County Building and testimony was given at a County Council meeting in defense of the GMO Moratorium Initiative that was passed in the November 2014 general election.

Nine days after the Maui initiative passed, Monsanto, Dow-owned Agrigenetics and several related organizations and businesses sued Maui County, seeking to have the moratorium thrown out.

In a court filing on Friday, Jan. 30, Maui County announced that it is taking “no position” on a motion for summary judgment filed by attorneys representing the seed companies, businesses and organizations.

At 9 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 6, GMO moratorium supporters moved to County Council Chambers.

At 9 a.m., moratorium supporters moved to County Council Chambers.

“Our Maui County Council will be in session that day, and on the agenda: ‘adoption of resolution approving the appointment of Patrick K. Wong as the Corporation Counsel,'” the event Facebook post continued. “This is a big chance to voice our disapproval of how our county attorneys are ignoring the will of the people by refusing to defend the moratorium. Testifying to County Council is an important part of the political process.”

“We gave them a position when we voted ‘yes’ in November,” the post read. “Friday, we remind them.”

The ballot initiative prohibiting the growth, testing or cultivation of genetically engineered crops in Maui County until an environmental and public health study can show that the planting operations are safe for the community. The initiative would have suspended all GE operations in the county pending a safety impact review.