HB 2494 Summary

• Establishes ʻawa made from Piper methysticum (kava) as Hawaii's official state beverage by adding a new section to Chapter 5 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes

• Recognizes ʻawa as a Hawaiian canoe plant with historical and cultural significance to Hawaii's indigenous people (kānaka maoli) since before European contact

• Notes that ʻawa promotes "aloha" by creating relaxed contentedness that facilitates discussion and conflict resolution

• Identifies Hawaii's climate as ideal for cultivating Piper methysticum and suggests that state beverage designation could revive agricultural production and provide crop opportunities for small farms

• Takes effect upon approval