Hawaii Senate Bill SR137

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/24
• Refer: 3/14/24
• Report Pass: 4/3/24
• Passed: 4/4/24

Caption

Requesting The Department Of The Attorney General To Convene A Working Group To Study The Effectiveness Of Existing State Laws In Addressing The False Labeling Of Hawaii-made Food Products, With A Specific Emphasis On The Legal Mechanisms And Costs Associated With Protecting The Brands Of Hawaii-made Food Products.

Impact

To tackle these issues, SR137 requests the Department of the Attorney General to convene a working group tasked with studying the effectiveness of existing state laws related to false labeling. This includes investigating the legal mechanisms available and the costs associated with protecting Hawaii-made brands. Specific statutes referenced include those governing unfair competition and deceptive trade practices, which may need strengthening to ensure the integrity of Hawaii's food labeling.

Summary

Senate Resolution 137 (SR137) addresses the growing concern over the false labeling of food products in Hawaii. This resolution emphasizes the need to protect local producers and consumers from misleading marketing practices that falsely represent products as being made in Hawaii when they are not. The resolution outlines the unique appeal of Hawaii's food products and the potential economic consequences of deceptive labeling. It highlights that current state laws may not provide adequate remedies for local stakeholders, thereby creating a necessity for legislative action.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SR137 is largely supportive, recognizing the importance of legislation aimed at safeguarding local produce and maintaining consumer trust. Legislators and stakeholders express a consensus on the need for action to combat false advertising practices that exploit Hawaii's brand. However, there is a recognition that the implementation of such measures must be carefully considered to avoid overregulation that might burden small businesses.

Contention

A noted point of contention is the balance between establishing necessary protections and ensuring that regulations do not stifle legitimate businesses. The working group is expected to report its findings and offer recommendations, which may include suggestions for new legislation to address identified gaps in the current regulatory framework. This approach aims to foster a fair marketplace while promoting the interests of local producers against the backdrop of Hawaii's vibrant culinary heritage.