SB 2781: Procurement; Lei; Benchmarks; Lei Materials; Labeling Requirements; Penalties

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO LEI.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the lei is an important cultural, social, and economic expression of Hawaii and Native Hawaiian traditions.  Lei made using a wide variety of plant materials, flowers, seeds, shells, and other natural or cultural components, are worn and shared in ceremonies, celebrations, and daily life throughout the State.

     The legislature further finds that the growing commercialization of lei and lei materials has led to increased use of imported plant materials and manufactured components that are marketed using Hawaiian language, imagery, and place names, which may mislead consumers and undermine local growers, lei makers, and cultural practitioners.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to:

     (1)  Require and establish benchmarks for each state executive agency to ensure that a certain percentage of lei purchased by that executive agency consists of lei made of natural objects and plant materials grown, harvested, and assembled in the State; and

     (2)  Establish labeling requirements for lei and lei materials.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 103D, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part IV be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§103D-     Lei; material grown, harvested, or assembled outside of the State; purchasing requirements.  (a)  Each state executive agency shall ensure that:

     (1)  By December 31, 2032,      per cent of lei purchased;

     (2)  By December 31, 2037,      per cent of lei purchased; and

     (3)  By December 31, 2042,      per cent of lei purchased,

shall be made of natural objects and plant materials grown, harvested, and assembled in the State.

     (b)  Beginning           , no state executive agency shall purchase any lei containing plant material grown and harvested outside of the State.

     (c)  This section shall apply to any purchase of lei made by a state executive agency, including small purchases made under section 103D-305.

     (d)  This section shall not apply to the string, thread, or ribbon used to make lei.

     (e)  For the purposes of this section:

     "Plant materials" includes leaves, ferns, flowers, vines, and seeds.

     "State executive agency" means any department, office, board, or commission of the executive branch of the State, including any administratively attached bodies."

     SECTION 3.  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-     Lei; lei materials; labeling requirements; documentation; penalties.  (a)  No person shall keep, offer, display or expose for sale, or solicit for the sale of any lei or lei materials that are labeled with the term "Hawaii Grown", or any variation of that term, unless the direct material costs of plant materials and natural objects, including shells, that were cultivated or harvested within the State comprise at least ninety per cent of the total direct material costs of the lei or lei materials.

     (b)  No person shall display or expose for sale, or solicit the sale of, any lei or lei materials unless the geographic origin of each plant material and natural object, including shells, is disclosed.

     For purposes of this subsection, "geographic origin" means a state or territory of the United States or a foreign country.

     (c)  No person shall keep, offer, display or expose for sale, or solicit the sale of, any lei or lei materials that are labeled with the term "Hawaii Made" unless the lei meets the requirements of section 201-3.5.

     (d)  A person who keeps, offers, displays or exposes for sale, or solicits the sale of any lei or lei materials labeled with the terms "Hawaii Grown" or "Hawaii Made", or any variation of these terms, shall provide documentation demonstrating compliance with the labeling requirements of this section to the administrator upon request.

     (e)  A person or the department may bring an action for injunctive relief against a person who is not in compliance with the requirements of this section.

     (f)  Any person who violates this section shall be subject to penalties imposed pursuant to section 486-32.

     (g)  This section shall not apply to the string, thread, or ribbon used to make lei.

     (h)  For the purposes of this section, "lei" means a garland, wreath, or ornament traditionally worn or presented, made from plant materials, including but not limited to leaves, ferns, flowers, vines, and seeds; natural objects, including shells; or manufactured components."

     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:

Procurement; Lei; Benchmarks; Lei Materials; Labeling Requirements; Penalties

Description:

Requires and establishes benchmarks for each state executive agency to ensure that a certain percentage of lei purchased by that executive agency consists of lei made of natural objects and plant materials grown, harvested, and assembled in the State.  Establishes labeling requirements for lei and lei materials.  Requires the disclosure of the geographic origin for the plant materials and natural objects that comprise a lei or lei materials.  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.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO LEI.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the lei is an important cultural, social, and economic expression of Hawaii and Native Hawaiian traditions.  Lei made using a wide variety of plant materials, flowers, seeds, shells, and other natural or cultural components, are worn and shared in ceremonies, celebrations, and daily life throughout the State.

     The legislature further finds that the growing commercialization of lei and lei materials has led to increased use of imported plant materials and manufactured components that are marketed using Hawaiian language, imagery, and place names, which may mislead consumers and undermine local growers, lei makers, and cultural practitioners.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to:

     (1)  Require and establish benchmarks for each state executive agency to ensure that a certain percentage of lei purchased by that executive agency consists of lei made entirely of natural objects and plant materials grown, harvested, and assembled in the State; and

     (2)  Establish labeling requirements for lei and lei materials.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 103D, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part IV be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§103D-     Lei; material grown, harvested, or assembled outside of the State; purchasing requirements.  (a)  Each state executive agency shall ensure that:

     (1)  By December 31, 2032,      per cent of lei purchased;

     (2)  By December 31, 2037,      per cent of lei purchased; and

     (3)  By December 31, 2042,      per cent of lei purchased,

shall be made entirely of natural objects and plant materials grown, harvested, and assembled in the State.

     (b)  Beginning           , no state executive agency shall purchase any lei containing plant material grown and harvested outside of the State.

     (c)  This section shall apply to any purchase of lei made by a state executive agency, including small purchases made under section 103D-305.

     (d)  For the purposes of this section:

     "Plant materials" includes leaves, ferns, flowers, vines, and seeds.

     "State executive agency" means any department, office, board, or commission of the executive branch of the State, including any administratively attached bodies."

     SECTION 3.  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-     Lei; lei materials; labeling requirements; documentation; penalties.  (a)  No person shall keep, offer, display or expose for sale, or solicit for the sale of any lei or lei materials that are labeled with the term "Hawaii Grown", or any variation of that term, unless the direct material costs of plant materials and natural objects, including shells, that were cultivated or harvested within the State comprise at least ninety per cent of the total direct material costs of the lei or lei materials.

     (b)  No person shall display or expose for sale, or solicit the sale of, any lei or lei materials unless the geographic origin of each plant material and natural object, including shells, is disclosed.

     For purposes of this subsection, "geographic origin" means a state or territory of the United States or a foreign country.

     (c)  No person shall keep, offer, display or expose for sale, or solicit the sale of, any lei or lei materials that are labeled with the term "Hawaii Made" unless the lei meets the requirements of section 201-3.5.

     (d)  A person who keeps, offers, displays or exposes for sale, or solicits the sale of any lei or lei materials labeled with the terms "Hawaii Grown" or "Hawaii Made", or any variation of these terms, shall provide documentation demonstrating compliance with the labeling requirements of this section to the administrator upon request.

     (e)  A person or the department may bring an action for injunctive relief against a person who is not in compliance with the requirements of this section.

     (f)  Any person who violates this section shall be subject to penalties imposed pursuant to section 486-32.

     (g)  For the purposes of this section, "lei" means a garland, wreath, or ornament traditionally worn or presented, made from plant materials, including but not limited to leaves, ferns, flowers, vines, and seeds; natural objects, including shells; or manufactured components."

     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:

Procurement; Lei; Benchmarks; Lei Materials; Labeling Requirements; Penalties

Description:

Requires and establishes benchmarks for each state executive agency to ensure that a certain percentage of lei purchased by that executive agency consists of lei made entirely of natural objects and plant materials grown, harvested, and assembled in the State.  Establishes labeling requirements for lei and lei materials.  Requires the disclosure of the geographic origin for the plant materials and natural objects that comprise a lei or lei materials.  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.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO LEI.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the lei is an important cultural, social, and economic expression of Hawaii and Native Hawaiian traditions.  Lei made using a wide variety of plant materials, flowers, seeds, shells, and other natural or cultural components, are worn and shared in ceremonies, celebrations, and daily life throughout the State.

     The legislature further finds that the growing commercialization of lei and lei materials has led to increased use of imported plant materials and manufactured components that are marketed using Hawaiian language, imagery, and place names, which may mislead consumers and undermine local growers, lei makers, and cultural practitioners.

     The legislature believes that it is critical for the State to support locally grown and assembled lei and their producers, protect the local floriculture industry, and promote transparency and accountability in the sourcing and labeling of lei and lei materials.  To this end, additional information and stakeholder input are necessary to determine the most effective and practicable means of achieving these objectives.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to require the department of agriculture and biosecurity to convene a working group to gather data and conduct a study of the State's floriculture industry.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  The department of agriculture and biosecurity shall convene a working group that shall:

     (1)  Identify, gather, and report on any existing studies or assessments conducted or data assembled by the department of agriculture and biosecurity or university of Hawaii that have examined:

          (A)  The number and geographic distribution of flower farms in the State;

          (B)  The types and volume of lei materials currently being locally produced; and

          (C)  The capacity of local floriculture to meet public and private demand; and

     (2)  Conduct a study of the State's floriculture industry, which shall evaluate, at a minimum:

          (A)  The current number and geographic distribution of flower and lei-material farms;

          (B)  Production capacity relative to demand;

          (C)  Barriers faced by local growers; and

          (D)  The resources, incentives, and infrastructure needed to sustainably support the local floriculture.

     (b)  The working group shall consist of the following six members:

     (1)  Chairperson of the board of agriculture and biosecurity, or the chairperson's designee, who shall serve as the chair of the working group;

     (2)  Dean of the college of tropical agriculture and human resilience at the university of Hawaii at Manoa, or the dean's designee;

     (3)  Executive director of the Hawaii Farm Bureau, or the executive director's designee, who shall be invited by the chair of the working group;

     (4)  President of the Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery Association, or the president's designee, who shall be invited by the chair of the working group;

     (5)  One member from the State's florist industry, who shall be invited by the speaker of the house of representatives; and

     (6)  One member from the State's lei maker and producer industry, who shall be invited by the president of the senate.

     (c)  Members of the working group shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for reasonable expenses, including travel expenses, necessary for the performance of their duties.  No member of the working group shall be subject to chapter 84, Hawaii Revised Statutes, solely because of the member's participation in the working group.

     (d)  The working group shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2027.

     (e)  The department of agriculture and biosecurity shall provide necessary administrative support to the working group in carrying out its duties, including preparing the report required pursuant to subsection (d).

     (f)  The working group shall be dissolved on June 30, 2027.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on January 1, 2525.

Report Title:

DAB; Lei; Working Group; Flower Farms; Lei Materials; Floriculture Industry; Report

Description:

Requires the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to convene a working group that shall identify, gather, and report on any existing studies or assessments conducted or data assembled by the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity or University of Hawaii on flower farms, lei materials, and the capacity of local floriculture to meet public and private demand; conduct a study of the State's floriculture industry; and submit a report to the Legislature.  Sunsets the working group on 6/30/2027.  Effective 1/1/2525.  (SD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to lei.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the lei is an important cultural, social, and economic expression of Hawaii and Native Hawaiian traditions.  Lei made using a wide variety of plant materials, flowers, seeds, shells, and other natural or cultural components, are worn and shared in ceremonies, celebrations, and daily life throughout the State.

     The legislature further finds that the growing commercialization of lei and lei materials has led to increased use of imported plant materials and manufactured components that are marketed using Hawaiian language, imagery, and place names, which may mislead consumers and undermine local growers, lei makers, and cultural practitioners.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to:

     (1)  Require and establish benchmarks for each state executive agency to ensure that a certain percentage of lei purchased by that executive agency consists of lei made entirely of natural objects and plant materials grown, harvested, and assembled in the State; and

     (2)  Establish labeling requirements for lei and lei materials.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 103D, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part IV to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§103D-    Lei; material grown, harvested, or assembled outside of the State; purchasing requirements.  (a)  Each state executive agency shall ensure that the following percentage of lei purchased is made entirely of natural objects and plant materials, including but not limited to leaves, ferns, flowers, vines, and seeds, that are grown, harvested, and assembled in the State:

     (1)  By December 31, 2032, thirty per cent of lei purchased shall be made entirely of natural objects and plant materials grown, harvested, and assembled in the State;

     (2)  By December 31, 2037, forty per cent of lei purchased shall be made entirely of natural objects and plant materials grown, harvested, and assembled in the State; and

     (3)  By December 31, 2042, fifty per cent of lei purchased shall be made entirely of natural objects and plant materials grown, harvested, and assembled in the State.

     (b)  Beginning January 1, 2043, no state executive agency shall purchase any lei containing plant material grown and harvested outside of the State.

     (c)  This section shall apply to any purchase of lei made by a state executive agency, including small purchases made under section 103D-305.

     (d)  For the purposes of this section, "state executive agency" means any department, office, board, or commission of the state, including any administratively attached bodies."

     SECTION 3.  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-    Lei; lei materials; labeling requirements; documentation; penalties.  (a)  No person shall keep, offer, display or expose for sale, or solicit for the sale of any lei or lei materials that are labeled with the term "Hawaii Grown", or any variation of that term, unless at least ninety per cent of the lei or lei materials were cultivated or harvested within the State.

     (b)  No person shall keep, offer, display or expose for sale, or solicit for the sale of, any lei that is labeled with the term "Hawaii Made" unless the lei was crafted or assembled within the State.

     (c)  A person who keeps, offers, displays or exposes for sale, or solicits for the sale of any lei or lei materials labeled with the terms "Hawaii Grown" or "Hawaii Made", or any variation of these terms, shall provide documentation demonstrating compliance with the labeling requirements of this section to the administrator upon request.

     (d)  A person or the department may bring an action for injunctive relief against a person who is not in compliance with the requirements of this section.

     (e)  Any person who violates this section shall be subject to penalties imposed pursuant to section 486-32.

     (f)  For the purposes of this section, "lei" means a garland, wreath, or ornament traditionally worn or presented, made from plant materials, including but not limited to leaves, ferns, flowers, vines, and seeds; natural objects, including shells; or manufactured components."

     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 upon its approval.

Report Title:

Procurement; Lei; Benchmarks; Lei Materials; Labeling Requirements; Penalties

Description:

Requires and establishes benchmarks for each state executive agency to ensure that a certain percentage of lei purchased by that executive agency consists of lei made entirely of natural objects and plant materials grown, harvested, and assembled in the State.  Establishes labeling requirements for lei and lei materials.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2895

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:     S.B. No. 2781

        S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committees on Commerce and Consumer Protection and Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 2781, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO LEI,"

beg leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to require the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to:

     (1)  Convene a working group to identify, gather, and report on any existing studies or assessments conducted or data assembled by the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity or University of Hawaii on flower farms, lei materials, and the capacity of local floriculture to meet public and private demand;

     (2)  Conduct a study of the State's floriculture industry; and

     (3)  Submit a report to the Legislature.

     Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau, and one individual.

     Your Committees received comments on this measure from the Hawaiian Council and one individual.

     Your Committees find that the lei is a deep expression of Native Hawaiian tradition and culture that connects land, people, and ceremony across generations.  Your Committees further find that the cultural integrity of lei-making is at risk and consumers can be misled due to the growing use of imported materials that are marketed using Hawaiian language and imagery.  This measure would facilitate data collection and market research to support the local lei industry and rural economic stability, reduce dependence on imports, promote fair labeling, and protect unique cultural practices.

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Commerce and Consumer Protection and Ways and Means that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2781, S.D. 1, and recommend that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Commerce and Consumer Protection and Ways and Means,

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2627

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:     S.B. No. 2781

        S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Government Operations, to which was referred S.B. No. 2781 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO LEI,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

     (1)  Require and establish benchmarks for each state executive agency to ensure that a certain percentage of lei purchased by that executive agency consists of lei made entirely of natural objects and plant materials grown, harvested, and assembled in the State; and

     (2)  Establish labeling requirements for lei and lei materials.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Oʻahu Council of Association of Hawaiian Civil Clubs, Hawaiian Council, Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau, The Gay Agenda Collective, Haus of Puas, Tropical Flowers Express, and one individual.

     Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the State Procurement Office.

     Your Committee finds that lei are a deeply rooted cultural expression in Hawaii representing aloha, celebration, remembrance, and connection to the land.  Your Committee finds, however, that the growing commercialization of lei and lei materials has led to increased use of imported plant materials and manufactured components misleadingly marketed as locally grown, harvested, and assembled in Hawaii, undermining the local floriculture industry, local lei makers, and cultural practitioners.  This measure supports locally grown and assembled lei and their producers, protects the local floriculture industry, and promotes transparency and accountability in the sourcing and labeling of lei and lei materials.

     Your Committee acknowledges the concerns raised in testimony by the State Procurement Office regarding the measure's lack of clear guidance on how agencies would document compliance and track progress toward the procurement benchmarks and enforcement mechanisms that are fair, transparent, and supported by clear regulatory guidance.  Your Committee also acknowledges testimony by the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and Hawaii Farm Bureau noting that the measure does not adequately account for whether benchmark percentages are reasonably attainable or consider production capacity, seasonality, labor availability, and enforcement resources.  Your Committee finds that, in light of the significant public concern expressed and the numerous logistical issues raised, advancing the measure further at this time would likely create complications that could undermine enactment of this important public policy.  Accordingly, your Committee believes the issue should be carefully developed in collaboration with affected stakeholders, who should be tasked with preparing a report to the Legislature that identifies a practical path forward, addresses the concerns raised during the hearing, and ensures any proposed protocol is workable for the State's industry conditions and consistent with relevant market realities.

     Accordingly, your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Deleting its substantive provisions and replacing them with language establishing a working group to be comprised of the following:

          (A)  Chairperson of the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity, or the chairperson's designee;

          (B)  Dean of the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, or the dean's designee;

          (C)  Executive Director of the Hawaii Farm Bureau, or the Executive Director's designee;

          (D)  President of the Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery Association, or the President's designee;

          (E)  One member of the State's florist industry, who shall be invited by the Speaker of the House of Representatives; and

          (F)  One member from the State's lei maker and producer industry, who shall be invited by the President of the Senate;

     (2)  Amending section 1 to reflect its amended purpose;

     (3)  Inserting an effective date of January 1, 2525, to encourage further discussion; and

     (4)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Government Operations that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2781, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2781, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committees on Commerce and Consumer Protection and Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Government Operations,