STAND. COM. REP. NO.  135-14

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2014

RE:   H.B. No. 2153

      H.D. 1

Honorable Joseph M. Souki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Seventh State Legislature

Regular Session of 2014

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Economic Development & Business, to which was referred H.B. No. 2153 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO COTTAGE FOOD BUSINESSES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to promote economic vitality through small business ownership by establishing a cottage food law to allow home-based food production businesses to sell food items directly to consumers if certain conditions are met.

The Councilmember representing District IV of the Honolulu City Council and several concerned individuals testified in support of this measure.  The Department of Health testified in opposition to this bill.

     Many individuals in Hawaii enjoy creating delicious, local foods and snacks in their home kitchens to share with family, friends, and neighbors.  Some individuals have turned this creative hobby into an economic opportunity and livelihood.  However, there is confusion regarding the regulation of home-based food production businesses and the health requirements that must be met to establish and maintain such a business.  This measure attempts to clarify this issue.

     While your Committee understands the Department of Health's position regarding the necessity of this measure, your Committee finds that this measure warrants further discussion.

     Your Committee has amended this bill by changing its effective date to January 20, 2050, to facilitate further discussion.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Economic Development & Business that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2153, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2153, H.D. 1, and be referred to the Committee on Health.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Economic Development & Business,

____________________________

CLIFT TSUJI, Chair