Bill > HB534

This bill requires retail establishments in Hawaii to label raw processed ahi (yellowfin or bigeye tuna) with the country where the fish was landed, addressing concerns about misleading marketing of imported seafood. The legislation defines "raw processed ahi" as tuna that has been cut, cubed, sliced, minced, or combined with other ingredients, and applies to retail establishments that purchase over $230,000 of fresh or frozen produce annually. The bill aims to provide transparency for consumers who may mistakenly believe locally sold ahi is caught by Hawaiian fisheries, when in fact much of the product is imported, previously frozen, and treated with carbon monoxide. The legislature notes that tuna is Hawaii's highest-valued food commodity, with an annual dockside value of around $100 million, and is concerned that consumers are being misled by marketing terms like "prepared fresh" or "locally made" when the fish is actually sourced from foreign markets. The labeling requirement will take effect on July 1, 2026, giving retail establishments ample time to update their product labeling practices.

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

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=534&year=2025