WAIMEA, Hawaii – Today could be the final reading and vote on bill 113, prohibiting the introduction of new genetically modified organisms, at the Hawaii County Council. The hearing is set for 2 p.m. at a special meeting of the full council in Hilo after a day of committee meetings. Bill 113 is the only agenda item. If past hearings are any indication there could be a lot of testimony this evening. The subject has drawn hundreds out to speak over the last few months.

It’s possible the vote could also come today, and it appears that there are enough votes to pass the bill.

We caught up with North Kohala Councilwoman Margaret Wille this weekend in Waimea. Wille introduced the bill.

Wille helped open a new videoconferencing site in Kapa’au on Monday, at the site of the old Bank of Hawaii building. Wille was able to secure the funding for the site during this year’s budget vote. The new site opens just in time for Wille’s constituency to be able to testify on her bill.

Meanwhile the other side of the issue has been spending a lot of money on advertisements recently… Like this spot which has aired on local radio featuring the voice of farmer Richard Ha. We asked Wille if she thought it would have an effect on the final vote.

Then there’s what happens after the vote. Will Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi sign the bill into law?

Last week, Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvahlo vetoed a similar bill dealing with GMO disclosure and pesticide use after it was passed by the Kauai County Council. Anti-GMO organizations were outraged.

Wille also said the county will need to keep an eye on the upcoming state legislative session.