WAILUKU » A Maui group that wants to ban genetically modified crops has been given a green light by election officials to advance their proposal.

Maui’s County Clerk Danny Mateo said Friday that the group collected enough valid signatures to send their petition to the city council.

According to the Maui County Charter, the council will now have 60 days to act on the proposal.

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 finding to show their practices are safe.

If the council does not adopt the ordinance within 60 days, it will be placed on the 2014 general election ballot to be decided by voters.