STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1443

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2025

RE: S.B. No. 890

S.D. 2

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Economic Development & Technology, to which was referred S.B. No. 890, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESS REGULATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to require any products labeled, marketed, or sold as "poi" to contain a label stating whether the poi product is made wholly from kalo grown in the State or from kalo sourced outside the State.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs; Department of Agriculture; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Hawaiʻi Food+ Policy; Koʻolaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club; Koʻolau Foundation; and two individuals.

Your Committee finds that poi is a culturally significant staple food in Hawaii, deeply rooted in Native Hawaiian traditions and identity. Consumers and local farmers benefit from clear and transparent labeling that distinguishes between poi made from kalo grown in Hawaii and poi made from kalo sourced from outside the State. By ensuring proper labeling, this measure will support Hawaii's agricultural industry, protect the authenticity of local poi, and provide consumers with accurate information about the origin of their food.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Economic Development & Technology that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 890, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce.

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

____________________________

GREGGOR ILAGAN, Chair