STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1174

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 650

H.D. 1

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Economic Development and Tourism, to which was referred H.B. No. 650, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO SEA SALT PRODUCTS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate funds to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism for providing education and support to local businesses regarding the United States Food and Drug Administration's guidance on colored sea salt.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Hawaii Food Industry Association; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Chamber of Commerce Hawaii; and H.K. Enterprise Group, Inc.

Your Committee finds that the popularity of Hawaii-made sea salt products is on the rise. These products are often colored with Hawaiian charcoal, volcanic clay, and other natural ingredients to promote higher sales. While the United States Food and Drug Administration outlines an approval process for color additives in food products, the State does not offer support to local businesses to follow federal guidance. By appropriating funds for education and support regarding the United States Food and Drug Administration's industry guidance on colored sea salt, this measure will promote the continued safe sale of Hawaii-made sea salt by local businesses.

Your Committee has amended this measure by inserting an effective date of July 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Economic Development and Tourism that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 650, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 650, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Economic Development and Tourism,

________________________________

LYNN DECOITE, Chair