SB 346 Summary

• Beginning January 1, 2028, all shell eggs sold in Hawaii must be certified as cage free by the United States Department of Agriculture, as evidenced by a USDA grademark or shield.

• Exempts commercial premises with fewer than 75,000 egg-laying hens and businesses that knowingly purchase eggs from exempt premises.

• Violations subject to fines of not less than $500 and not to exceed $1,000 per violation, and considered unfair or deceptive trade practices under chapter 481A.

• Establishes a cage free matching grant program (effective through June 30, 2027) within the Department of Agriculture to provide dollar-for-dollar matching grants to help farm and business owners convert operations to meet cage free requirements.

• Department of Agriculture required to adopt rules for implementation; appropriates funds for fiscal year 2022-2023; entire law repeals June 30, 2032.