Police investigate threats to Kauai Mayor over GMO veto
LIHUE, KAUAI (HawaiiNewsNow) - Kauai police are investigating threatening phone calls, emails, and social media posts targeting Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Jr. after his veto of a controversial bill on pesticide use and genetically modified crops.
Angry protestors showed up outside his office on Thursday. They chanted "Shame on you!" and "Recall the mayor!" He told them that he supports the intent, but that the bill is legally flawed.
"I just want to make sure that we are in line. I'm with you all the way," Carvalho said. "The veto part is the route that I need to take to get to the same place we want to be."
The measure would require large agricultural companies to disclose pesticide use and genetically modified crops. The bill also establishes a buffer zone around facilities like schools and hospitals.
Demonstrators are hoping the county council will override the veto.
Police said their initial investigation indicates the threats are coming from people who are not representative of the anti-GMO movement on Kauai.
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Copyright 2013 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
Copyright 2013 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
