HI HB496

Prohibits use of the words "Mämaki," "Hawaii," or "Hawaiian" (or variations) on consumer package labels for mämaki tea (Pipturus albidus) unless 100 percent of the tea or dried leaves were cultivated, harvested, and dried in Hawaii.

Prohibits misleading Hawaiian imagery, place names, or motifs on mämaki tea consumer package labels unless the product is 100 percent Hawaii-grown.

Requires nonconsumer packages of Hawaii-grown mämaki tea introduced into intrastate or interstate commerce to bear a label stating "Hawaii-grown mämaki tea."

Appropriates $65,000 for fiscal year 2025-2026 and $65,000 for fiscal year 2026-2027 to establish one full-time equivalent Measurement Standards Inspector V position in the Department of Agriculture to enforce labeling regulations.

Takes effect July 1, 2025; violations subject to penalties under Hawaii Revised Statutes section 486-32; injunctive relief available to enforce compliance.