Bill > HB496

This bill aims to protect Hawaii's mamaki (Pipturus albidus) tea industry by establishing strict labeling requirements for tea and dried leaves from this endemic Hawaiian plant. The legislation prohibits the use of words like "Mamaki", "Hawaii", or "Hawaiian", as well as Hawaiian imagery, place names, or motifs on consumer packages unless 100% of the tea or dried leaves were cultivated, harvested, and dried in Hawaii. The bill requires nonconsumer packages of Hawaii-grown mamaki tea to be labeled as such and mandates that sellers must provide documented proof of the tea's origin upon request. Additionally, the bill appropriates $65,000 for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to fund a full-time Measurement Standards Inspector position to support enforcement of these new labeling regulations. The law includes provisions for voluntary certification marks, potential injunctive relief, and penalties for non-compliance, reflecting the legislature's intent to preserve the authenticity and economic value of Hawaii-grown mamaki tea.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=496&year=2025