Bill > SCR22

This Concurrent Resolution requests the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) to study the "Made in Hawaii" and "Hawaii Made" brands, which are used to identify products originating from the state. The study aims to assess past efforts, compare the value of each brand for local manufacturers, and identify best practices for promoting and enforcing them. DBEDT is also tasked with developing a plan to encourage and enforce the use of these brands, which includes creating a marketable "Hawaii Made" brand that reflects cultural values and community concerns, establishing clear enforcement procedures like inspections and penalties, and proposing incentives such as tax credits or grants to encourage companies to get certified. The department must then submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed new laws, to the Legislature by early 2023. This initiative arises from concerns about overlapping jurisdictions between the two branding programs and a lack of enforcement authority for the "Hawaii Made" trademark.