Hawaii Senate Bill SR16

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/22
• Refer: 3/11/22
• Report Pass: 4/4/22
• Passed: 4/5/22

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Business, Economic Development, And Tourism To Conduct A Study On The "made In Hawaii" And "hawaii Made" Brands And Prepare A Plan To Encourage And Enforce The Use Of Those Brands.

Impact

This resolution highlights an important angle of Hawaii's economic strategy, as protecting and promoting local brands may encourage consumers to support homegrown products. The DBEDT is tasked with examining previous implementations of these branding initiatives to pinpoint areas for better coordination and enforcement. A key element of the resolution includes assessing the potential value behind branding and how it might offer additional benefits to local manufacturers, ensuring the economic growth of local businesses while maintaining the brand's integrity.

Summary

Senate Resolution 16 (SR16) seeks to enhance the clarity and effectiveness of the 'Made in Hawaii' and 'Hawaii Made' branding initiatives. The resolution initiates a study to analyze the overlap between the two programs managed by different state departments — Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) and the Department of Agriculture. With increasing concerns regarding the legitimacy and enforcement of these brands, SR16 aims to propose a detailed plan that would ensure both brands effectively represent Hawaii's locally manufactured products, while also protecting consumers from potential deceitful labeling by non-local products.

Contention

One significant point of contention may stem from the proper enforcement of these brands. While DBEDT holds the trademark rights for 'Hawaii Made', the department lacks statutory authority to enforce these rights, leading to confusion and potential overlap with the 'Made in Hawaii' program. This could spark debates regarding the resource allocation and regulatory authority between the departments affected. Furthermore, the success of this initiative may hinge on balancing the need for strict enforcement against the cultural sensitivities and marketability of the brands themselves.