HI SCR204

Urges establishment of a Native Hawaiian intellectual property task force to develop a specialized legal system protecting Native Hawaiian cultural intellectual property, traditional cultural expressions, and genetic resources.

Task force to include representatives from state agencies (Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs; Department of Land and Natural Resources; University of Hawaii System) and Native Hawaiian organizations (Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Native Hawaiian Bar Association, Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, and others).

Recognizes that Western intellectual property laws inadequately protect indigenous collective knowledge and have facilitated misappropriation by researchers, corporations, universities, and the fashion industry.

Cites specific example of Aloha Poke Co. issuing cease-and-desist letters to Hawaiian poke businesses claiming ownership of cultural terms "Aloha" and "Poke."

Requires task force to submit recommendations and proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2022 Regular Session convenes.