Bill > HB2229

This bill authorizes individuals to operate "microenterprise home kitchens," which are essentially home kitchens used to prepare and sell food directly to consumers, without needing the usual permits or routine inspections required for commercial food establishments. This aims to reduce barriers for small, home-based food entrepreneurs. However, these home kitchens are explicitly not considered "food establishments" or "food processing establishments" under existing law. Operators must still comply with basic food safety requirements, avoid selling wholesale or for resale, and clearly disclose to consumers that the food is prepared in a home kitchen not inspected by the Department of Health. The Department of Health retains the authority to investigate operators and home kitchens in response to specific issues like consumer complaints, foodborne illness outbreaks, or immediate threats to public health, and can take action such as embargoing food or temporarily suspending operations if necessary, but will not conduct routine inspections. The bill also clarifies that federal laws regarding food adulteration and misbranding still apply.

Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=2229&year=2026