HI HB1868

Establishes new confinement standards for egg-laying hens in Hawaii, effective June 30, 2027, requiring cage-free housing systems with minimum usable floor space of 1 square foot per hen in multi-tiered aviaries or partially-slatted systems, or 1.5 square feet per hen in single-level all-litter floor systems.

Prohibits farm owners or operators from knowingly confining egg-laying hens in a cruel manner beginning June 30, 2027, with cruel confinement defined as confinement in enclosures other than cage-free systems or with insufficient floor space.

Prohibits business owners or operators from knowingly selling shell eggs or egg products produced by hens confined in a cruel manner beginning June 30, 2027.

Exempts farms producing 30,000 or fewer egg-laying hens annually from full compliance requirements, provided hens are not confined with less than 1 square foot of usable floor space per hen and any new hens added after June 30, 2027 that exceed the threshold comply with standards.

Establishes civil fines of $500 to $1,000 per violation and allows enforcement of egg product sales violations as unfair or deceptive trade practices under state consumer protection law.