Bill > SB3248

This bill establishes labeling requirements for "?okolehao," a traditional Hawaiian distilled spirit made from the ki root (also known as the ti plant). The bill aims to protect ?okolehao as a distinctive product of Hawaii by preventing its name or Hawaiian imagery from being used on products that don't meet specific production standards. To be labeled as ?okolehao, a distilled spirit must be made from at least 51% ki root grown in Hawaii, distilled and bottled in Hawaii, and meet certain alcohol by volume requirements. The bill also mandates that non-consumer packages of ?okolehao clearly state "Hawai?i-distilled ?okolehao made with Hawai?i-grown ki." The state department can create a voluntary certification program to ensure compliance, and violations will be subject to penalties. This legislation is intended to support Hawaiian farmers, promote value-added agriculture, and strengthen the state's cultural and economic identity, with an effective date of July 1, 3000.