Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture, to which was referred S.B. No. 2666, S.D. 2, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to create a seal of quality program for fresh and processed agricultural products which are produced within the State.

The Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Food Industry Association, Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation, Hawaii Agriculture Research Center, Meadow Gold Dairies, Pineapple Growers Association of Hawaii, and an individual submitted testimony in support of this bill.

Your Committee finds that many agricultural products currently bear Hawaii's name, or claim to be "Made in Hawaii." Because there is no way for consumers to substantiate the origin and quality of these products, the value of a Hawaii label is diminished. Establishing a seal of quality program would ensure that only products that have been substantially fabricated or have had a substantial portion of their value added in Hawaii will be presented to consumers as genuine Hawaii products. Such a program will create greater demand for authentic Hawaii products and enhance their value.

Your Committee has amended this bill by making technical, nonsubstantive changes for purposes of style and clarity.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2666, S.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2666, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, and be referred to the Committee on Finance.