STAND. COM. REP. NO. 933-22

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2022

RE: H.B. No. 2028

H.D. 2

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.B. No. 2028, H.D. 1, entitled:

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

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Authorize milk producers to sell raw milk and raw milk products directly to consumers for human consumption, subject to certain conditions; and

(2) Authorize the sale of raw goat milk for pet consumption, subject to certain conditions.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from The Public Pet; Maka‘ala Country Farms, LLC; Lystn, LLC; The Pet Depot; The Doggy Kitchen; Next Generation Pet Food Manufacturers Association; and numerous individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Department of Agriculture, Department of Health, Hawai‘i Farm Bureau, Meadow Gold Dairies Hawaii LLC, Hawaii Food Industry Association, and one individual.

Your Committee finds that raw milk is milk that has not undergone the process of pasteurization, which is the process by which milk is mildly heated. Your Committee further finds that there is a consumer demand for raw milk due to its taste and health benefits. However, under existing administrative rules, milk is only available to the public if it has undergone the process of pasteurization. Your Committee notes that goat milk is similarly prohibited unless it has undergone the process of pasteurization. This measure is intended to provide consumers and their pets with choices for beverage consumption.

However, your Committee has heard the concerns raised in testimony regarding the safety risks associated with the consumption of raw milk and raw milk products. Your Committee understands these concerns and believes this issue warrants further deliberation as this measure moves through the legislative process.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Changing the effective date to January 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion; and

(2) 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 Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2028, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2028, H.D. 2.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce,

____________________________

AARON LING JOHANSON, Chair