Here’s the latest on the GMO front, as reported by West Hawaii Today. Excerpt:

With three new council members weighing in for the first time, the Hawaii County Council on Wednesday is scheduled to decide whether to appeal a federal court ruling overturning the county’s ban on growing genetically modified crops in open-air conditions.

The council passed the anti-GMO bill in late 2013 by a 6-3 vote. Two of the no votes — Hilo Councilman Dennis “Fresh” Onishi and Puna Councilman Greggor Ilagan — are still on the council.

New members Aaron Chung of Hilo, Danny Paleka of Puna and Maile David of Ka‘u/South Kona generally kept their opinions about the GMO law close to the vest during campaigning.

Chung, an attorney and former council member, however, said during an Aug. 1 candidate forum that he thinks the GMO ban is prohibited by state and federal law but added he would not seek to undo it.

“I have no problem with GMO products,” he said at the time. “I eat it, I let my kids eat it.”

Rainbow papayas, which have been genetically modified to prevent a deadly virus, are exempt from Hawaii County’s recent GMO law.

Chad Blair/Civil Beat

Five “yes” votes are needed to appeal the ruling to the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

The council meets at 9 a.m. Wednesday at the West Hawaii Civic Center in Kailua-Kona, and public comment is scheduled at the beginning of the meeting.