Hawaii House Bill HB1206

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/27/21
• Refer: 2/1/21

Caption

Relating To Food Security.

Impact

The proposed legislation intends to promote local job creation by encouraging the production and processing of locally raised beef. It introduces safeguards to ensure that meat processing facilities cannot dominate the market to the detriment of local producers. Key provisions include limiting the slaughtering capacity that is house-branded and establishing annual reporting requirements for meat processors. These measures aim to create a more competitive environment that benefits both producers and consumers while securing a stable food supply for the state.

Summary

House Bill 1206 aims to enhance food security in Hawaii by addressing the local beef industry's challenges, particularly focusing on the meatpacking sector. The bill proposes measures to prevent anti-competitive behavior within the meatpacking industry, which has seen increasing concentration among operators. A significant issue is that one operator currently controls a substantial portion of the beef processing capacity in Hawaii, leading to concerns about fair pricing and competition among local ranchers. This bill recognizes that the growing demand for locally sourced food necessitates a more robust infrastructure for processing locally raised cattle.

Contention

The bill is positioned against the backdrop of prior federal legislation aimed at curbing anti-competitive practices, such as the Packers & Stockyards Act of 1921. One of the notable points of contention may arise from the limitations imposed on the meat processing capacity controlled by a single entity, which could be viewed by some as a threat to business operations. There may also be debates over how effectively this bill will ensure fair practices in the industry and whether it will be sufficient to bring about meaningful change in Hawaii's meatpacking sector.