HB 1155 Summary

• Department of agriculture shall apply for a geographical indication or similar intellectual property registration with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for the term "Kona Coffee Blend" for use on roasted or instant coffee blends containing at least 15 percent Kona-grown coffee by weight.

• Appropriates unspecified general revenue funds for fiscal year 2021-2022 to the department of agriculture for the trademark registration application, with reimbursement required from collected surcharge revenue.

• Establishes a surcharge on the sale of cherry coffee, parchment coffee, or green coffee beans grown in the Kona district, beginning January 1, 2022, continuing until general fund appropriation is fully reimbursed plus 2 percent annual interest compounded monthly.

• Amends Hawaii's coffee labeling law to increase the minimum required percentage of coffee from a geographic origin from 10 percent to 15 percent by weight to use that origin in labeling or advertising.

• Adds violations prohibiting use of the term "Kona Coffee Blend" in violation of federal law when registered as a geographical indication or certification mark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.