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HI SB604

Bill

Status

Introduced

1/23/2015

Primary Sponsor

Russell Ruderman

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2015 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Establishes the Hawaii Grown Origin Products Commission attached to the Department of Agriculture, comprised of at least 11 members including growers, processors, and marketers from designated Hawaii origin production areas.

  • Creates certification and trademark system for Hawaii-grown origin products (such as Kona coffee, Hawaiian honey, taro, cacao, and tea) that meet geographic origin and quality criteria, with fees not to exceed 5 cents per pound.

  • Designates Hawaii origin production areas by state and specific regions/islands including Hamakua, Kau, Kona, Puna, Volcano, Kauai, Molokai, Maui, and Oahu where products must be grown and initially packed.

  • Prohibits selling products as Hawaii-grown origin products unless officially designated; violators face class C felony charges for unlawful sales and misdemeanor charges for other violations, plus civil penalties up to $5,000 per offense.

  • Establishes Hawaii Grown Origin Products Special Fund to collect fees and civil penalties, with revenues used for identifying production areas, promoting products, and enforcing trademark protections.

Legislative Description

Agriculture; Regulation; Labeling; Hawaii Grown Origin Products Commission; Established ($)

Last Action

The committee on CPN deferred the measure.

2/13/2015

Committee Referrals

Agriculture1/26/2015

Full Bill Text

No bill text available