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HI SB604
Bill
Status
1/23/2015
Primary Sponsor
Russell Ruderman
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AI Summary
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 $5,000 per offense.
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Establishes Hawaii Grown Origin Products Special Fund to collect fees and civil penalties, with revenues used for identifying production areas, promoting products, and enforcing trademark protections.
Legislative Description
Agriculture; Regulation; Labeling; Hawaii Grown Origin Products Commission; Established ($)
Last Action
The committee on CPN deferred the measure.
2/13/2015