Bill > HCR84

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 Hawaii manufacturers, and identify best practices for promoting and enforcing these labels. 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 fines for the "Hawaii Made" brand, and identifying incentives such as tax credits or grants to encourage businesses to obtain certification for using either or both brands. The resolution arises from concerns about overlapping jurisdictions between the two programs and the need for clearer enforcement authority for the "Hawaii Made" brand, which was established by Act 2, Special Session Laws of Hawaii 2021, to be administered by DBEDT, while the "Made in Hawaii" program has historically been managed by the Department of Agriculture. DBEDT is required to report its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature by early 2023.