If enacted, this bill will amend Chapter 486 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, introducing penalties for entities that mislabel māmaki tea products. Specifically, the labeling must indicate that the tea is solely from Hawaii and must use specific phrases to denote its authenticity. This legislative move is expected to bolster local farmers' efforts and ensure consumers are aware of the quality and origin of the products they purchase. It aims to mitigate any consumer deception while promoting the sustainability of Hawaii's agricultural sector.
Senate Bill 1183 aims to enhance and protect the market for māmaki tea, a plant endemic to Hawaii, by establishing strict labeling requirements for any products containing this tea. The bill acknowledges the unique status of māmaki, which grows only in Hawaii, and seeks to ensure that only tea harvested from plants grown in the state can be marketed as 'Hawaii-grown māmaki tea'. This measure is intended to support local agriculture and encourage the authenticity of Hawaii's agricultural products in both intrastate and interstate commerce.
While the bill may receive broad support for protecting local products, there could be resistance from some businesses concerning the enforcement of these labeling requirements. Opponents may argue that the regulations could impose undue burdens on small growers or distributors, especially those who might not have the resources to verify compliance or keep comprehensive documentation. Nevertheless, supporters of SB1183 assert the necessity of maintaining high standards to protect the integrity of Hawaii's unique agricultural economy.