Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HR113

Introduced
3/8/24  
Refer
3/13/24  
Introduced
3/8/24  
Report Pass
3/28/24  
Refer
3/13/24  
Report Pass
3/28/24  

Caption

Urging The Counties To Adopt An Ordinance Requiring Restaurants And Other Food Service Establishments To Take Steps To Make Their Businesses Safe For Members Of The Public With Severe Food Allergies.

Impact

If adopted, the ordinance would require establishments to take specific actions, such as prominently displaying food allergy awareness posters and signage requesting customers to notify staff about allergies. This proactive approach is intended to enhance safety and mitigate risks, aligning with existing state laws that empower counties to enact regulations for the protection of public health. By implementing these measures, local governments would be taking significant steps to cater to the needs of a vulnerable segment of the population and ensure greater safety in dining situations.

Summary

House Resolution 113 urges counties in Hawaii to adopt an ordinance requiring restaurants and other food service establishments to implement safety measures for individuals with severe food allergies. This initiative comes in response to alarming statistics indicating a significant prevalence of food allergies among both adults and children, as well as the serious consequences that can arise from allergic reactions, including emergency room visits and fatalities. The resolution stresses the importance of creating an environment where individuals with food allergies can dine out safely.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR113 appears to be largely supportive, especially among public health advocates and organizations focused on allergy awareness. Advocates argue that the lack of awareness and preparation in food service establishments can lead to life-threatening situations for those with allergies. However, there could be concerns from restaurant owners regarding the potential costs and operational changes required to comply with the new ordinance, suggesting a call for careful consideration of the balance between regulatory requirements and practical implementation.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the restaurants' capacity to comply with these proposed requirements and the potential burden on small businesses. Implementing food allergy awareness measures and staff training could incur additional costs and operational challenges. Stakeholders may debate the extent to which these regulations could reshape the landscape of food service in Hawaii, weighing public safety against the economic implications for restaurants.

Companion Bills

HI HCR132

Same As Urging The Counties To Adopt An Ordinance Requiring Restaurants And Other Food Service Establishments To Take Steps To Make Their Businesses Safe For Members Of The Public With Severe Food Allergies.

Previously Filed As

HI HCR132

Urging The Counties To Adopt An Ordinance Requiring Restaurants And Other Food Service Establishments To Take Steps To Make Their Businesses Safe For Members Of The Public With Severe Food Allergies.

HI HR0126

A resolution to urge the United States Armed Forces to expand the use of medical waivers for recruits with food allergies, including allergies to peanuts.

HI H7325

Requires food service establishments to add an additional warning to their menus relative to food allergens and impose a civil penalty on those establishments that fail to include the required warnings on its menus.

HI S2622

Requires food service establishments to add an additional warning to their menus relative to food allergens and impose a civil penalty on those establishments that fail to include the required warnings on its menus.

HI H0533

An act relating to enhancing food allergen awareness in food service establishments

HI HB4633

Relating to the care of elementary and secondary school students with food or other life-threatening allergies.

HI HB286

Relating to the care of elementary and secondary school students with food or other life-threatening allergies.

HI H0144

An act relating to enhancing food allergen awareness in food service establishments

HI SB406

Relating to food allergen awareness in food service establishments

HI SB2058

Relating to food allergen awareness in food service establishments; authorizing a fee; requiring a food allergen awareness certification for certain food service employees.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.