Hawaii Senate Bill SCR163

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/24
• Refer: 3/14/24
• Report Pass: 4/3/24
• Engrossed: 4/4/24
• Refer: 4/5/24

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

SCR163 specifically addresses existing statutes that are intended to guard against unfair trade practices and false advertising, as outlined in sections 480-2, 486-119, and 708-871 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes. The anticipated outcome is to enhance the regulatory framework that protects local producers and consumers from misleading practices that could undermine Hawaii’s agricultural and food production sectors. The proposal to create a working group signifies a proactive approach towards ensuring that laws remain relevant and are effectively enforced, potentially leading to more robust consumer protections and a fairer marketplace for Hawaii's indigenous products.

Summary

SCR163 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution from the Thirty-second Legislature of Hawaii, requesting the Department of the Attorney General to convene a working group. The focus of this group will be to assess how effective existing state laws are in dealing with the false labeling of Hawaii-made food products. Given Hawaii's unique geographical and cultural identity, the state’s products are highly sought after, yet some manufacturers are reportedly taking advantage of this by falsely marketing their products as locally made, which misleads consumers and damages local producers. The resolution aims to evaluate the current protective measures in place and identify potential legislative adjustments needed to strengthen these protections.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SCR163 appears to be generally supportive among lawmakers, particularly those advocating for the protection of local economies and producers. By highlighting the importance of addressing false labeling, the resolution embodies a spirit of consumer protection and emphasizes the integrity of Hawaii's brand. However, there may be contention regarding the effectiveness of current laws and what additional measures may be required, as well as concerns about the potential costs associated with implementing new regulations to manage and combat these deceptive practices.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding SCR163 may stem from differing views on what constitutes adequate legislation. While the intent is clear—strengthening protections against fraudulent labeling—the actual mechanisms and potential legal ramifications of new laws could provoke debate among stakeholders. Additionally, there could be discussions regarding the balance between consumer protection and the regulatory burden on businesses, raising questions about how best to maintain Hawaii's reputation for quality while supporting local economic growth.