Bill > HB2619

This bill requires the Department of Health to create rules for "farm kitchens," which are kitchens on agricultural land where homemade food products are made using ingredients from the farm, ensuring these rules are no stricter than those for "home kitchens" (regular kitchens in residences). Importantly, a farm kitchen will not need a commercial food establishment permit just because it's on agricultural land, but it must still follow all existing rules for homemade food products, including food safety, labeling, and sales limits. The Department can still inspect farm kitchens and enforce these rules, and it retains the authority to prohibit foods that pose a higher health risk. The bill defines "homemade food products" to include certain non-time/temperature sensitive foods and acidified or fermented plant-based foods, with specific requirements for products like salsa. This legislation aims to provide regulatory clarity for small farms producing value-added products, recognizing that their operations often present similar or lower public health risks compared to home kitchens.

Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=2619&year=2026