Bill > SB1276

This bill expands Hawaii's existing law against falsely labeling coffee by including roasted coffee in the scope of prohibited actions, in addition to previously covered forms like green, cherry, and parchment coffee. The legislation aims to protect Hawaii's valuable coffee industry, which is the state's second most lucrative agricultural crop worth up to $64.3 million annually, by deterring counterfeiting and fraudulent labeling. Under the new provisions, anyone who knowingly transports, distributes, advertises, sells, or possesses roasted coffee falsely labeled as originating from a specific Hawaiian geographic region (such as Kona, Maui, or Oahu) can be charged with a class C felony. Moreover, the bill introduces a mandatory $10,000 fine for each separate offense of false labeling, which cannot be suspended or waived, providing a stronger deterrent against fraudulent practices that can harm local coffee farmers by misrepresenting supply and undermining the state's reputation for high-quality coffee. The bill defines roasted coffee as coffee seeds that have been heated to enhance aroma and flavor, and provides specific definitions for geographic origins within Hawaii.