WAILEA — Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa says a moratorium on genetically modified crops is impractical. ADVERTISING WAILEA — Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa says a moratorium on genetically modified crops is impractical. The proposed moratorium would make it illegal to cultivate,
WAILEA — Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa says a moratorium on genetically modified crops is impractical.
The proposed moratorium would make it illegal to cultivate, grow or test genetically modified crops in Maui County until companies complete environmental and public health studies to show their practices are safe.
Arakawa says if the ballot initiative passes, it would be almost impossible to administer it. He says it would require the county to become invasive in its inspection efforts.
Arakawa says the county would likely have to create a new department and hire personnel who know how to identify genetically modified organisms.
The Maui News reports Arakawa discussed the proposed moratorium Thursday at an event featuring panel discussions with mayoral, gubernatorial and county council candidates.
