HI SR137

Request the Department of the Attorney General to convene a working group to study the effectiveness of existing state laws addressing false labeling of Hawaii-made food products.

Working group to focus on legal mechanisms and costs associated with protecting Hawaii-made food product brands, including review of HRS sections 480-2 (unfair competition/deceptive practices), 486-119 (Hawaii-made product labeling), and 708-871 (false advertising).

Working group composition includes the Attorney General (chair), University of Hawaiʻi law professor with intellectual property expertise, Board of Agriculture chair, Director of Business/Economic Development/Tourism, Executive Director of Office of Consumer Protection, and one member from Hawaii State Bar Association's Intellectual Property and Technology section.

Working group to submit a report with findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2025 Regular Session convenes.

Certified copies of the resolution to be transmitted to the Attorney General, law school dean, Board of Agriculture chair, DBEDT director, consumer protection director, and Hawaii State Bar Association president.