HB 496: HDOA; Māmaki Tea; Labeling Requirements; Position; Appropriation
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: House
- Latest Version Date: 2025-04-25
Current Status:
In Progress
(2025-06-27: Act 242, on 06/27/2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1344).)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
What does this bill do?
The bill bans the use of the words “Māmaki,” “Hawaii,” or “Hawaiian” and misleading Hawaiian images, place names, or motifs on consumer tea labels that contain māmaki (Pipturus albidus) unless the tea is 100% cultivated, harvested, and dried in Hawaii. It also requires nonconsumer packages of Hawaii‑grown māmaki to be labeled “Hawaii‑grown māmaki tea,” lets the Department of Agriculture run a voluntary certification program, allows officials to demand proof or seek court orders for violations, and funds one inspector to help enforce the rules.
The summary is provided by generative AI which can make mistakes. For original language, please view the details in the table below.
Prohibits the use of certain words and misleading Hawaiian imagery, place names, and motifs on the label of a consumer package that contains or includes tea or dried leaves from the plant Pipturus albidus, unless 100 per cent of the tea or dried leaves were cultivated, harvested, and dried in the State. Appropriates funds for a Measurement Standards Inspector position. (CD1)
Prohibits the use of certain words on the label of a consumer package that contains or includes tea or dried leaves from the plant Pipturus albidus, unless 100% of the tea or dried leaves were grown in the State. Appropriates funds for a Measurement Standard Inspector position. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
Prohibits the use of certain words on the label of a consumer package that contains or includes tea or dried leaves from the plant Pipturus albidus, unless one hundred per cent of the tea or dried leaves were grown in the State. Appropriates funds for a Measurement Standard Inspector position. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
Prohibits the use of certain words that can be used on the label of a consumer package that contains or includes tea or dried leaves from the plant Pipturus albidus, unless one hundred per cent of the tea or dried leaves were grown in the State. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Imposes labeling requirements for māmaki tea grown in the State.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
496 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
H.D. 2 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 1 |
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C.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO MĀMAKI TEA.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that māmaki (Pipturus albidus) is a plant that is endemic to the Hawaiian islands, meaning that the Hawaiian islands are the only place in the world where māmaki grows naturally. Māmaki is found across the entire Hawaiian island chain from the island of Kauai to the island of Hawaii and flourishes at elevations between four hundred feet and six thousand feet.
The legislature further finds that māmaki tea is a growing agricultural commodity and believes that the implementation of labeling requirements would ensure the viability of Hawaii-grown māmaki tea.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to protect Hawaii‑grown māmaki tea by:
(1) Prohibiting the use of certain words and misleading Hawaiian imagery, place names, and motifs on the label of a consumer package that contains or includes tea or dried leaves from the plant Pipturus albidus, unless one hundred per cent of the tea or dried leaves were cultivated, harvested, and dried in the State; and
(2) Appropriating funds for one staff position for the department of agriculture to support enforcement of labeling regulations.
SECTION 2. Chapter 486, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part V to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§486- Māmaki tea; labeling requirements. (a) No label on a consumer package that contains or includes tea or dried leaves from the plant Pipturus albidus shall contain:
(1) The words "Māmaki", "Hawaii", or "Hawaiian", or any variation of these terms; or
(2) Misleading Hawaiian imagery, place names, or motifs,
unless one hundred per cent of the tea or dried leaves were Hawaii-grown.
(b) Any nonconsumer package that contains tea or dried leaves from the plant Pipturus albidus grown in the State and introduced into intrastate or interstate commerce shall bear on the package a label stating that the package contains Hawaii‑grown māmaki tea by using the words "Hawaii-grown māmaki tea". This label shall be required in addition to all other labeling requirements specified in this chapter.
(c) Any person keeping, offering, displaying, exposing for sale, or soliciting for sale any tea or dried leaves from the plant Pipturus albidus subject to and labeled in accordance with subsection (a) shall make available to the administrator, upon demand, documented proof that the tea or dried leaves were Hawaii-grown.
(d) The department may establish and administer a voluntary certification mark program for purposes of compliance under this section.
(e) Any person or the department may sue for injunctive relief to compel compliance with this section.
(f) Any person who violates this section shall be subject to penalties under section 486-32.
(g) For the purposes of this section:
"Consumer package" has the same meaning as in section 486-1.
"Hawaii-grown" means a plant that is cultivated, harvested, and dried within the State of Hawaii.
"Nonconsumer package" has the same meaning as in section 486-1."
SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $65,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to establish one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) measurement standards inspector V position to support enforcement of labeling regulations pursuant to this Act.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 4. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.
SECTION 5. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.
Report Title:
HDOA; Māmaki Tea; Labeling Requirements; Position; Appropriation
Description:
Prohibits the use of certain words and misleading Hawaiian imagery, place names, and motifs on the label of a consumer package that contains or includes tea or dried leaves from the plant Pipturus albidus, unless 100 per cent of the tea or dried leaves were cultivated, harvested, and dried in the State. Appropriates funds for a Measurement Standards Inspector position. (CD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
496 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
H.D. 2 |
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO MĀMAKI TEA.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that māmaki (Pipturus albidus) is a plant that is endemic to the Hawaiian islands, meaning that the Hawaiian islands are the only place in the world where māmaki grows naturally. Māmaki is found across the entire Hawaiian island chain from the island of Kauai to the island of Hawaii and flourishes at elevations between four hundred feet and six thousand feet.
The legislature further finds that māmaki tea is a growing agricultural commodity and believes that the implementation of labeling requirements would ensure the viability of Hawaii-grown māmaki tea.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to protect Hawaii‑grown māmaki tea by:
(1) Prohibiting the use of certain words on the label of a consumer package that contains or includes tea or dried leaves from the plant Pipturus albidus, unless one hundred per cent of the tea or dried leaves were grown in the State; and
(2) Appropriating funds for one staff position for the department of agriculture to support enforcement of labeling regulations.
SECTION 2. Chapter 486, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part V to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§486- Māmaki tea; labeling requirements. (a) No label on a consumer package that contains or includes tea or dried leaves from the plant Pipturus albidus shall contain the words "Māmaki", "Hawaii", or "Hawaiian", or any variation of these terms, unless one hundred per cent of the tea or dried leaves were grown in the State.
(b) Any nonconsumer package that contains tea or dried leaves from the plant Pipturus albidus grown in the State and introduced into intrastate or interstate commerce shall bear on the package a label stating that the package contains Hawaii‑grown māmaki tea by using the words "Hawaii-grown māmaki tea". This label shall be required in addition to all other labeling requirements specified in this chapter.
(c) Any person keeping, offering, displaying, exposing for sale, or soliciting for sale any tea or dried leaves from the plant Pipturus albidus subject to and labeled in accordance with subsection (a) shall make available to the administrator, upon demand, documented proof that the tea or dried leaves were grown in the State.
(d) Any person who violates this section shall be subject to penalties under section 486-32."
SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to establish one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) measurement standards inspector V position to support enforcement of labeling regulations pursuant to this Act.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 4. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.
SECTION 5. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.
Report Title:
HDOA; Māmaki Tea; Labeling Requirements; Position; Appropriation
Description:
Prohibits the use of certain words on the label of a consumer package that contains or includes tea or dried leaves from the plant Pipturus albidus, unless 100% of the tea or dried leaves were grown in the State. Appropriates funds for a Measurement Standard Inspector position. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
496 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
H.D. 2 |
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
|
|
|
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|
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||
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|
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO MĀMAKI TEA.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that māmaki (Pipturus albidus) is a plant that is endemic to the Hawaiian islands, meaning that the Hawaiian islands are the only place in the world where māmaki grows naturally. Māmaki is found across the entire Hawaiian island chain from the island of Kauai to the island of Hawaii and flourishes at elevations between four hundred feet and six thousand feet.
The legislature further finds that māmaki tea is a growing agricultural commodity and believes that the implementation of labeling requirements would ensure the viability of Hawaii-grown māmaki tea.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to protect Hawaii‑grown māmaki tea by:
(1) Prohibiting the use of certain words on the label of a consumer package that contains or includes tea or dried leaves from the plant Pipturus albidus, unless one hundred per cent of the tea or dried leaves were grown in the State; and
(2) Appropriating funds for one staff position for the department of agriculture to support enforcement of labeling regulations.
SECTION 2. Chapter 486, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part V to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§486- Māmaki tea; labeling requirements. (a) No label on a consumer package that contains or includes tea or dried leaves from the plant Pipturus albidus shall contain the words "Māmaki", "Hawaii", or "Hawaiian", or any variation of these terms, unless one hundred per cent of the tea or dried leaves were grown in the State.
(b) Any nonconsumer package that contains tea or dried leaves from the plant Pipturus albidus grown in the State and introduced into intrastate or interstate commerce shall bear on the package a label stating that the package contains Hawaii-grown māmaki tea by using the words "Hawaii-grown māmaki tea". This label shall be required in addition to all other labeling requirements specified in this chapter.
(c) Any person keeping, offering, displaying, exposing for sale, or soliciting for sale any tea or dried leaves from the plant Pipturus albidus subject to and labeled in accordance with subsection (a) shall make available to the administrator, upon demand, documented proof that the tea or dried leaves were grown in the State.
(d) Any person who violates this section shall be subject to penalties under section 486-32."
SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to establish one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) measurement standards inspector V position to support enforcement of labeling regulations pursuant to this Act.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 4. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.
SECTION 5. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
HDOA; Māmaki Tea; Labeling Requirements; Position; Appropriation
Description:
Prohibits the use of certain words on the label of a consumer package that contains or includes tea or dried leaves from the plant Pipturus albidus, unless one hundred per cent of the tea or dried leaves were grown in the State. Appropriates funds for a Measurement Standard Inspector position. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
496 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
H.D. 1 |
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|
STATE OF HAWAII |
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|
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|
|
|
||
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|
||
A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO MĀMAKI TEA.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that māmaki (Pipturus albidus) is a plant that is endemic to the Hawaiian islands, meaning that the Hawaiian islands are the only place in the world where māmaki grows naturally. Māmaki is found across the entire Hawaiian island chain from the island of Kauai to the island of Hawaii and flourishes at elevations between four hundred feet and six thousand feet.
The legislature further finds that māmaki tea is a growing agricultural commodity and believes that the implementation of labeling requirements would ensure the viability of Hawaii-grown māmaki tea.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to protect Hawaii‑grown māmaki tea by:
(1) Prohibiting the use of certain words that can be used on the label of a consumer package that contains or includes tea or dried leaves from the plant Pipturus albidus, unless one hundred per cent of the tea or dried leaves were grown in the State; and
(2) Appropriating funds for a staff position for the department of agriculture to support enforcement of labeling regulations.
SECTION 2. Chapter 486, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part V to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§486- Māmaki tea; labeling requirements. (a) No label on a consumer package that contains or includes tea or dried leaves from the plant Pipturus albidus shall contain the words "Māmaki", "Hawaii", or "Hawaiian", or any variation of these terms, unless one hundred per cent of the tea or dried leaves were grown in the State.
(b) Any nonconsumer package containing tea or dried leaves from the plant Pipturus albidus grown in the State and introduced into intrastate or interstate commerce shall bear on the package a label stating that the package contains Hawaii-grown māmaki tea by using the words "Hawaii-grown māmaki tea". This label shall be required in addition to all other labeling requirements specified in this chapter.
(c) Any person keeping, offering, displaying, exposing for sale, or soliciting for sale any tea or dried leaves from the plant Pipturus albidus subject to and labeled in accordance with subsection (a) shall make available to the administrator, upon demand, documented proof that the tea or dried leaves were grown in the State.
(d) Any person who violates this section shall be subject to penalties under section 486-32."
SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to establish full-time equivalent ( FTE) measurement standards inspector V positions to support enforcement of labeling regulations pursuant to this Act.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 4. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.
SECTION 5. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
Māmaki Tea; Labeling Requirements; Department of Agriculture; Appropriation
Description:
Prohibits the use of certain words that can be used on the label of a consumer package that contains or includes tea or dried leaves from the plant Pipturus albidus, unless one hundred per cent of the tea or dried leaves were grown in the State. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
496 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
|
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO MĀMAKI TEA.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that māmaki (Pipturus albidus) is a plant that is endemic to the Hawaiian islands, meaning that the Hawaiian islands are the only place in the world where māmaki grows naturally. Māmaki is found across the entire Hawaiian island chain from the island of Kauai to the island of Hawaii and flourishes at elevations between four hundred feet and six thousand feet.
The legislature further finds that māmaki tea is a growing agricultural commodity and believes that the implementation of labeling requirements would ensure the viability of Hawaii-grown māmaki tea.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to protect Hawaii‑grown māmaki tea by imposing labeling requirements for māmaki tea.
SECTION 2. Chapter 486, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§486- Māmaki tea; labeling requirements. (a) No label on a consumer package shall contain language stating that the package contains or includes tea or dried leaves from the plant Pipturus albidus unless one hundred per cent of the tea or dried leaves were grown in the State. The ingredient list on such a label shall include the words "100% Hawaii-Grown Māmaki Tea", "Hawaii‑Grown Māmaki Tea", "100% Hawaiian Māmaki Tea", or "Hawaiian Māmaki Tea".
(b) Any nonconsumer package containing tea or dried leaves from the plant Pipturus albidus grown in the State and introduced into intrastate or interstate commerce shall bear on the package a label stating that the package contains Hawaii-grown māmaki tea by using the words "Hawaii-grown māmaki tea". This label shall be required in addition to all other labeling requirements specified in this chapter.
(c) Any person keeping, offering, displaying, exposing for sale, or soliciting for sale any tea or dried leaves from the plant Pipturus albidus shall make available to the administrator, upon demand, documented proof that the māmaki tea was grown in the State.
(d) Any person who violates this section shall be subject to penalties under section 486-32."
SECTION 3. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.
SECTION 4. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |
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Report Title:
Māmaki Tea; Labeling Requirements
Description:
Imposes labeling requirements for māmaki tea grown in the State.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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Date
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Status
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|---|---|
| Jun 27, 2025 | Act 242, on 06/27/2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1344). |
| Jun 27, 2025 | Act 242, 06/27/2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1344). |
| Jun 6, 2025 | Notice of intent to veto (Gov. Msg. No. 1301) |
| Jun 6, 2025 | Notice of Intent to veto dated 06/06/2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1301) |
| May 1, 2025 | Transmitted to Governor. |
| May 2, 2025 | Received notice of passage on Final Reading in House (Hse. Com. No. 821). |
| May 1, 2025 | Received notice of Final Reading (Sen. Com. No. 888). |
| Apr 30, 2025 | Passed Final Reading as amended in CD 1 with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Cochran, Pierick excused (2). |
| Apr 30, 2025 | Passed Final Reading, as amended (CD 1). Ayes, 24; Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 1 (Senator(s) Wakai). Excused, 0 (none). |
| Apr 25, 2025 | 48 Hrs. Notice (as amended CD 1) 04-30-25 |
| Apr 25, 2025 | Reported from Conference Committee as amended CD 1 (Conf. Com. Rep. No. 176). |
| Apr 25, 2025 | Forty-eight (48) hours notice Wednesday, 04-30-25. |
| Apr 25, 2025 | Reported from Conference Committee (Conf Com. Rep. No. 176) as amended in (CD 1). |
| Apr 25, 2025 | The Conference Committee recommends that the measure be Passed, with Amendments. The votes were as follows: 3 Ayes: Representative(s) Kahaloa, Kusch, Matsumoto; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Matayoshi. |
| Apr 25, 2025 | The Conference committee recommends that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes of the Senate Conference Managers were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) DeCoite, Gabbard, Kanuha; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 2 Excused: Senator(s) Richards, Fevella. |
| Apr 25, 2025 | Conference committee meeting to reconvene on 04-25-25 4:00 PM; Conference Room 225. |
| Apr 25, 2025 | Conference committee meeting to reconvene on 04-25-25 02:30 PM; Conference Room 411. |
| Apr 24, 2025 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Friday 04-25-25 9:05AM in conference room 411. |
| Apr 23, 2025 | Received notice of change in Senate conferees (Sen. Com. No. 872). |
| Apr 23, 2025 | Senate Conferees Changed: Senator Keohokalole discharged as Co-Chair. Senator Richards added as Co-Chair. |
| Apr 23, 2025 | Bill scheduled for Conference Committee Meeting on Thursday, 04-24-25 10:55AM in conference room 325. |
| Apr 22, 2025 | Received notice of Senate conferees (Sen. Com. No. 862). |
| Apr 22, 2025 | Senate Conferees Appointed: DeCoite Chair; Gabbard, Kanuha, Keohokalole Co-Chairs; Fevella. |
| Apr 15, 2025 | Received notice of appointment of House conferees (Hse. Com. No. 732). |
| Apr 14, 2025 | House Conferees Appointed: Kahaloa, Matayoshi, Kusch Co-Chairs; Matsumoto. |
| Apr 11, 2025 | Received notice of disagreement (Hse. Com. No. 704). |
| Apr 10, 2025 | House disagrees with Senate amendment (s). |
| Apr 8, 2025 | Returned from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 647) in amended form (SD 1). |
| Apr 8, 2025 | Report adopted; Passed Third Reading, as amended (SD 1). Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House. |
| Apr 4, 2025 | 48 Hrs. Notice 04-08-25. |
| Apr 4, 2025 | Reported from WAM/CPN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1814) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading, as amended (SD 1). |
| Apr 2, 2025 | The committee(s) on CPN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in CPN were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) Keohokalole, Fukunaga, McKelvey, Richards, Awa; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Apr 2, 2025 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in WAM were as follows: 13 Aye(s): Senator(s) Dela Cruz, Moriwaki, Aquino, DeCoite, Elefante, Hashimoto, Inouye, Kanuha, Kidani, Kim, Lee, C., Wakai, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Mar 27, 2025 | The committee(s) on WAM/CPN will hold a public decision making on 04-02-25 10:00AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 21, 2025 | Report adopted; Passed Second Reading and referred to WAM/CPN. |
| Mar 21, 2025 | Reported from EDT/AEN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1251) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading and referral to WAM/CPN. |
| Mar 18, 2025 | The committee(s) on AEN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in AEN were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) Gabbard, Richards, DeCoite, Rhoads, Awa; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Mar 18, 2025 | The committee(s) on EDT recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in EDT were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) DeCoite, Wakai, Fukunaga, Kim, Awa; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Mar 14, 2025 | The committee(s) on EDT/AEN has scheduled a public hearing on 03-18-25 1:01PM; Conference Room 229 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 4, 2025 | Referred to EDT/AEN, WAM/CPN. |
| Feb 28, 2025 | Passed First Reading. |
| Feb 28, 2025 | Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 20). |
| Feb 27, 2025 | Passed Third Reading with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Cochran, Pierick, Templo, Ward excused (4). Transmitted to Senate. |
| Feb 27, 2025 | Reported from FIN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 869), recommending passage on Third Reading. |
| Feb 20, 2025 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 14 Ayes: Representative(s) Yamashita, Takenouchi, Grandinetti, Holt, Hussey, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Kitagawa, Kusch, Lamosao, Lee, M., Miyake, Morikawa, Templo, Reyes Oda; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 2 Excused: Representative(s) Alcos, Ward. |
| Feb 18, 2025 | Bill scheduled to be heard by FIN on Thursday, 02-20-25 2:00PM in House conference room 308 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Feb 14, 2025 | Report adopted; referred to the committee(s) on FIN as amended in HD 2 with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Cochran, Matayoshi, Poepoe, Ward excused (4). |
| Feb 14, 2025 | Reported from CPC (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 676) as amended in HD 2, recommending referral to FIN. |
| Feb 11, 2025 | The committee on CPC recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 10 Ayes: Representative(s) Matayoshi, Chun, Ilagan, Ichiyama, Iwamoto, Kong, Lowen, Marten, Tam, Pierick; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and Excused: none. |
| Feb 7, 2025 | Bill scheduled to be heard by CPC on Tuesday, 02-11-25 2:00PM in House conference room 329 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Feb 3, 2025 | Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on CPC with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Cochran, Ward excused (2). |
| Feb 3, 2025 | Reported from AGR (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 38) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to CPC. |
| Jan 29, 2025 | The committee on AGR recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 5 Ayes: Representative(s) Kahaloa, Kusch, Lowen, Perruso, Quinlan; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Ward. |
| Jan 23, 2025 | Bill scheduled to be heard by AGR on Wednesday, 01-29-25 9:30AM in House conference room 325 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Jan 21, 2025 | Referred to AGR, CPC, FIN, referral sheet 2 |
| Jan 21, 2025 | Introduced and Pass First Reading. |
| Jan 17, 2025 | Pending introduction. |
|
Date
|
Description
|
Location
|
Votes
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 30, 2025 | Final Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
|
| Apr 30, 2025 | Final Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Apr 8, 2025 | Third Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Apr 2, 2025 | The committee(s) on CPN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection |
Passed |
|
| Apr 2, 2025 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Ways and Means |
Passed |
|
| Mar 18, 2025 | The committee(s) on AEN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture and Environment |
Passed |
|
| Mar 18, 2025 | The committee(s) on EDT recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | Senate Standing Committee on Economic Development and Tourism |
Passed |
|
| Feb 27, 2025 | Third Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
|
| Feb 20, 2025 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | House Standing Committee on Finance |
Passed |
|
| Feb 11, 2025 | The committee on CPC recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce |
Passed |
|
| Jan 29, 2025 | The committee on AGR recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
|
Organization
|
Position
|
Date
|
|---|---|---|
| Board of Agriculture | *** Support | Mar 18, 2025 |
| Hawaii Cattlemen's Council | ** Support | |
| Hawaii Food+ Policy | ** Support | |
| Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau (HFB) | *** Support | Feb 20, 2025 |
| Hawaiʻi Farmers Union | *** Support | Apr 2, 2025 |
| Hawaiʿi Farm Bureau | *** Support | Apr 2, 2025 |
| State of Hawaii Department of Agriculture | *** Support | Feb 11, 2025 |
| State Of Hawaii Dept. of Agriculture | *** Support | Feb 11, 2025 |
| State of Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture | *** Support | Apr 2, 2025 |
CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REP. NO. 176
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: H.B. No. 496
H.D. 2
S.D. 1
C.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Madam and Sir:
Your Committee on Conference on the disagreeing vote of the House of Representatives to the amendments proposed by the Senate in H.B. No. 496, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO MAMAKI TEA,"
having met, and after full and free discussion, has agreed to recommend and does recommend to the respective Houses the final passage of this bill in an amended form.
The purpose of this measure is to:
(1) Prohibit the use of certain words on the label of a consumer package that contains or includes tea or dried leaves from the plant Pipturus albidus, unless one hundred percent of the tea or dried leaves were grown in the State; and
(2) Appropriate funds for a Measurement Standards Inspector position.
Your Committee on Conference has amended this measure by:
(1) Prohibiting the use of misleading Hawaiian imagery, place names, or motifs as it relates to the labeling requirements;
(2) Authorizing the Department of Agriculture to establish and administer a voluntary certification mark program;
(3) Authorizing any person or the Department of Agriculture to sue for injunctive relief to compel compliance with the labeling requirements;
(4) Defining "consumer package", "Hawaii-grown", and "nonconsumer package";
(5) Inserting an appropriation amount of $65,000 to the Department of Agriculture for one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) Measurement Standards Inspector V position;
(6) Changing the effective date to July 1, 2025; and
(7) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the managers of your Committee on Conference that is attached to this report, your Committee on Conference is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 496, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Final Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 496, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, C.D. 1.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the managers:
|
ON THE PART OF THE SENATE |
|
ON THE PART OF THE HOUSE |
|
____________________________ LYNN DECOITE Chair |
|
____________________________ KIRSTIN KAHALOA Co-Chair |
|
____________________________ MIKE GABBARD Co-Chair |
|
____________________________ SCOT Z. MATAYOSHI Co-Chair |
|
____________________________ DRU KANUHA Co-Chair |
|
____________________________ MATTHIAS KUSCH Co-Chair |
|
____________________________ HERBERT M. RICHARDS, III Co-Chair |
|
|
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1814
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: H.B. No. 496
H.D. 2
S.D. 1
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committees on Ways and Means and Commerce and Consumer Protection, to which was referred H.B. No. 496, H.D. 2, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO MĀMAKI TEA,"
beg leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to protect Hawaii's māmaki tea industry.
Specifically, this measure:
(1) Prohibits the use of certain words on the label of a consumer package that contains or includes tea or dried leaves from the plant Pipturus albidus, unless one hundred percent of the tea or dried leaves were grown in the State; and
(2) Appropriates funds for one staff position for the Department of Agriculture to support enforcement of labeling regulations to protect Hawaii products.
Your Committees received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Farmers Union.
Your Committees received written comments in opposition to this measure from Tea Chest Hawaii.
Your Committees received written comments on this measure from Hawaii Food Industry Association.
Your Committees find that the māmaki plant is native to the State, where it grows naturally at elevations of four hundred to six thousand feet. Your Committees further find that, to support the growing māmaki tea industry, this measure aims to protect Hawaii-grown māmaki tea by enforcing labeling requirements and allocating funds for a staff position to enforce these regulations.
Your Committees respectfully request that, if a Committee on Conference is convened to deliberate on this measure, the Committee on Conference consider the Department's proposed appropriation amount of $65,000 for the position of Measurement Standards Inspector V.
Your Committees have amended this measure by changing the effective date to July 1, 2050, to facilitate further discussion.
As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Ways and Means and Commerce and Consumer Protection that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 496, H.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 496, H.D. 2, S.D. 1.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Ways and Means and Commerce and Consumer Protection,
|
________________________________ JARRETT KEOHOKALOLE, Chair |
|
________________________________ DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair |
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1251
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: H.B. No. 496
H.D. 2
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committees on Economic Development and Tourism and Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred H.B. No. 496, H.D. 2, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO MĀMAKI TEA,"
beg leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to:
(1) Prohibit the use of certain words on the label of a consumer package that contains or includes tea or dried leaves from the plant Pipturus albidus, unless one hundred percent of the tea or dried leaves were grown in the State;
(2) Require nonconsumer packages that contain tea or dried leaves from the plant Pipturus albidus grown in the State and introduced into state or interstate commerce to bear a label using certain words; and
(3) Appropriate funds to the Department of Agriculture for a measurement standard inspector position.
Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture and Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau.
Your Committees find that māmaki (Pipturus albidus) is a plant that is endemic to Hawaii, the only place where māmaki naturally grows. Your Committees further find that māmaki, due to its cultural significance and medicinal properties, is growing in popularity in local and global markets, where it is often sold as a tea. While the rise in māmaki consumption has allowed small farms to scale up agricultural production, these small growers lack adequate labeling protections commonly provided to other valuable agricultural crops in the State, such as macadamia nuts and coffee. To further protect local agriculture, this measure establishes labeling requirements and provides funding for an inspector position.
As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Economic Development and Tourism and Agriculture and Environment that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 496, H.D. 2, and recommend that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committees on Ways and Means and Commerce and Consumer Protection.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Economic Development and Tourism and Agriculture and Environment,
|
________________________________ MIKE GABBARD, Chair |
|
________________________________ LYNN DECOITE, Chair |
|
|
|
|
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 869
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: H.B. No. 496
H.D. 2
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 496, H.D. 2, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO MĀMAKI TEA,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this measure is to:
(1) Establish labeling requirements for māmaki tea, including by prohibiting the use of certain words on a consumer package unless one hundred percent of the tea or dried leaves were grown in the State; and
(2) Appropriate funds for a Measurement Standards Inspector position.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council; and two individuals.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 496, H.D. 2, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,
|
|
|
____________________________ KYLE T. YAMASHITA, Chair |
|
|
|
|
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 676
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: H.B. No. 496
H.D. 2
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.B. No. 496, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO MĀMAKI TEA,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this measure is to:
(1) Establish labeling requirements for māmaki tea by restricting the use of certain words on a consumer package unless one hundred percent of the tea or leaves were grown in the State; and
(2) Appropriate funds.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture; Hawaii Farm Bureau; Hawaii Food+ Policy; and Hawaii Farmers Union.
Your Committee finds that māmaki is a shrub endemic to Hawaii and is a common host plant for caterpillars of the Kamehameha butterfly, the official state insect. Your Committee further finds that the māmaki tea industry is fairly new and would benefit from protections against deceptive or misleading labels. This measure establishes labeling requirements and provides resources to the Department of Agriculture to ensure that māmaki tea is provided with the same protections afforded to other valuable agricultural crops like coffee and macadamia nuts.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Changing the position count from unspecified to one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) Measurement Standards Inspector V position; and
(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 496, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 496, H.D. 2.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce,
|
|
|
____________________________ SCOT Z. MATAYOSHI, Chair |
|
|
|
|
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 38
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: H.B. No. 496
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems, to which was referred H.B. No. 496 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO MĀMAKI TEA,"
begs leave to report as follows:
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture and Hawaii Farm Bureau.
Your Committee finds that māmaki is a plant that is endemic to Hawaii and used to make an herbal tea. Because māmaki tea is a growing agricultural commodity, the implementation of labeling requirements would ensure the viability of Hawaii-grown māmaki tea. This measure protects Hawaii-grown māmaki tea by establishing certain labeling requirements for māmaki tea products sold in the State to ensure that labels purporting that all or a portion of the māmaki tea was grown in Hawaii are true and accurate.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Prohibiting the use of certain words that can be used on the label of a consumer package that contains or includes tea or dried leaves from the plant Pipturus albidus, unless one hundred percent of the tea or dried leaves were grown in the State;
(2) Inserting language that appropriates an unspecified amount for staff positions for the Department of Agriculture to support enforcement of labeling regulations;
(3) Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and
(4) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.
Your Committee respectfully requests your Committee on Finance, should it deliberate on this measure, to consider an appropriation amount of $65,000 for one full-time equivalent position for the Department of Agriculture.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 496, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 496, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems,
|
|
|
____________________________ KIRSTIN KAHALOA, Chair |
|
|
|
|
|
Date
|
Testimony PDF
|
|---|---|
| Apr 2, 2025 | HB496_HD2_TESTIMONY_WAM-CPN_04-02-25_.PDF |
| Mar 18, 2025 | HB496_HD2_TESTIMONY_EDT-AEN_03-18-25_.PDF |
| Feb 20, 2025 | HB496_HD2_TESTIMONY_FIN_02-20-25_.PDF |
| Feb 11, 2025 | HB496_HD1_TESTIMONY_CPC_02-11-25_.PDF |
| Jan 29, 2025 | HB496_TESTIMONY_AGR_01-29-25_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
4MIN
Conference Committee
59SEC
Conference Committee
5MIN
Conference Committee
44SEC
Conference Committee
37SEC
Conference Committee
34SEC
Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture and Environment
34SEC
Senate Standing Committee on Water and Land
34SEC
