Mayor Kim vetoes bill banning GMO taro and coffee

Coucil chairman intends to override action
October 31, 2008 - Hawaii County

Mayor Harry Kim has reportedly vetoed Bill 361, which would ban GMO, or genetically modified organism, coffee and taro from being grown and tested on the Big Island of Hawaii. The veto occured on the day of the deadline for his approval, after the bill was unanimously adopted by the county council earlier this month.

Kim reportedly cited difficulty in enforcement, and the benefits of such research in his communication. He also suggested creating a GMO advisory commision, as recommended by councilman Angel Pilago, who authored the bill.

Council chariman Pete Hoffmann told the Hawaii Tribune-Herald that he plans to attempt an override of the veto. According to the article, only six council votes are needed to nullify the veto and force the bill into law.