Bill > HB2176

This bill mandates that the Legislative Reference Bureau, a non-partisan research arm of the Hawaii Legislature, conduct a comprehensive study on how other states regulate price gouging of food products, which refers to the practice of charging excessively high prices for essential goods, especially during emergencies or periods of high demand. The study will also analyze grocery price trends in Hawaii compared to the rest of the nation over the last ten years and identify the specific reasons for price gouging on groceries in Hawaii, given the state's high cost of living and reliance on imports. The Legislative Reference Bureau is required to submit a report of its findings and any proposed legislative solutions to the Hawaii Legislature by January 10, 2027.

Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=2176&year=2026