HI HB144

Directs the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization to conduct a study assessing the economic impact on the local coffee industry from potential changes to coffee labeling laws, with findings due no later than January 1, 2021.

Establishes a coffee labeling task force within the Department of Agriculture effective July 1, 2020, consisting of representatives from major coffee industry organizations, a university economist, and the board of agriculture chair.

Requires the task force to review the economic impact study findings, develop proposed legislation to address identified issues, and submit recommendations to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2022 regular session.

Appropriates $250,000 for fiscal year 2019-2020 to the University of Hawaii for the economic impact study and $100,000 for fiscal year 2020-2021 for the task force operations.

Task force members are exempt from ethics restrictions and open meetings requirements, serve without compensation but receive reimbursement for expenses, and the task force dissolves after submitting its report or twenty days before the 2022 session, whichever occurs first.