Kauai County Councilmen Mel Rapozo and Ross Kagawa, the lone members to oppose the county’s controversial GMO disclosure bill last year, are now more popular than ever among voters. They took the top two slots, respectively, in Saturday’s crowded primary race — the best either has ever done in any election. The third-place finisher, first-time candidate Arryl Kaneshiro — another staunch supporter of the genetically engineered seed companies that provide many jobs on the island’s westside — followed closely behind.
The Kauai County Council race was one of several elections in Hawaii that political observers were monitoring to see how well candidates running on pro- or anti-GMO platforms performed.
None of the new candidates who wants to pass laws that would require GMO labeling on food products, banish GMO companies or restrict their use of pesticides won a seat or is positioned well to do so in the general.
In other races, Maui County Councilwoman Elle Cochran, a strong anti-GMO advocate, fended off Kaala Buenconsejo, who received over $100,000 in super PAC money. In a key Hawaii County Council race, incumbent Maraget Wille, who sponsored the Big Island’s GMO bill, easily held off opposition from Ronald Gonzales and Sonny Shimaoka.
Read the full, original article: Is Kauai pro-GMO? Primary election results suggest so
