Defines "raw milk," "raw colostrum," "raw-milk products", and "raw-colostrum products" and permits their sale to final consumers. Requires board of agriculture to adopt rules.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The purpose of this Act is to allow for the sale of safe, wholesome raw milk, raw colostrum, as well as raw-milk and raw-colostrum products, to final consumers. For a variety of reasons ranging from taste to health, many people wish to consume unpasteurized raw milk, raw colostrum, raw-milk and raw-colostrum products. While no food, including pasteurized milk, is one hundred per cent safe, raw milk, raw colostrum, raw-milk and raw-colostrum products can be sold and consumed in a safe and wholesome form and fashion. In the past, all dairy products were consumed "raw." Currently, safe, wholesome raw milk is available to consumers through sales or cow-share programs in over half the fifty states, including California, Connecticut, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, New Hampshire, and New York. As a result, many small dairies are able to survive and even prosper by selling raw milk at a premium price. Hopefully, the sale of raw milk and raw-milk products will afford a similar financial benefit to many of our own local dairies.

Currently, raw milk, raw colostrum, raw-milk and raw-colostrum products cannot be purchased by final consumers in Hawaii. By allowing sales to consumers of raw milk and raw-milk products in Hawaii, individual consumers and businesses will be to free buy, sell, and consume raw milk and raw-milk products.

SECTION 2. Chapter 157, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new part to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"PART    . RAW MILK AND RAW-MILK PRODUCTS

§157-    Raw milk, raw colostrum, and raw-milk and raw-colostrum products. Individuals, including final consumers, retailers, distributors, producers, and producer-distributors may purchase raw milk, raw colostrum, and raw-milk and raw-colostrum products for sale or consumption. The board of agriculture shall establish, or cause to be established, any and all necessary guidelines and standards to provide for and allow the production, consumption, and sale, including retail sale, of raw milk, raw colostrum, and raw-milk and raw-colostrum products. The board of agriculture shall adopt rules in accordance with chapter 91 to implement this part."

SECTION 3. Section 157-1, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding four new definitions to be appropriately inserted and to read as follows:

""Raw colostrum" is colostrum that has not been pasteurized or otherwise treated with heat.

"Raw-colostrum products" includes products made from raw colostrum.

"Raw milk" is milk that has not been pasteurized or otherwise treated with heat.

"Raw milk products" includes products made from raw milk."

SECTION 4. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.