STAND. COM. REP. NO. 365-22

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2022

RE: H.B. No. 2028

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred H.B. No. 2028 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO RAW MILK,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to allow milk producers to sell raw milk and raw milk products directly to consumers for human consumption, subject to certain conditions.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Weston A. Price Foundation, Mauna Kea Tea, and nineteen individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from Department of Agriculture, Department of Health, Hawai‘i Farm Bureau, Hawaii Food Industry Association, and one individual.

Your Committee finds that there is a demand for raw, unpasteurized milk and raw milk products in the State based on the health benefits and taste of raw milk. Your Committee further finds that raw milk can be produced safely and is already sold in many other states. This measure will enable Hawaii consumers to purchase raw milk and milk products directly from farmers.

Your Committee also finds that the Department of Health recently embargoed unpasteurized goat milk from various pet store supply and food retailers in Hawaii. Raw goat milk provides various health benefits for pets, particularly pets with certain health conditions. It is easy to digest and a natural probiotic for pets such as dogs and cats. Your Committee believes that the sale of raw goat milk should be allowed for the limited purpose of pet consumption.

Accordingly, your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Authorizing the sale of raw goat milk for pet consumption;

(2) Requiring the Department of Health to adopt rules by July 1, 2023, governing the sale of raw goat milk for pet consumption;

(3) Establishing labeling requirements for raw goat milk containers or packaging; and

(4) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2028, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2028, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs,

____________________________

MARK M. NAKASHIMA, Chair