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Senate committee passes HB650 on sea salt products; DBEDT to administer contracts if enacted
Summary
HB650 relating to sea salt products passed the Economic Development and Tourism committee with SD1; DBEDT said it would primarily administer contracts if the Legislature funds the program. The committee adopted a defective date of July 1, 2050.
The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism on March 13 advanced House Bill 650, SD1, a measure addressing commercialization and support for sea salt products.
DBEDT staff said the department would administer contracts and programs for sea salt producers if the Legislature provided funds. Testimony in support came from the Hawaii Food Industry Association, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and individual producers; the committee record includes written testimony and in‑person remarks noting progress on a technical project and the involvement of an FDA consultant who expressed optimism about completion.
Committee members asked whether specialized training could be provided through the contracted parties rather than DBEDT directly; DBEDT responded that the department would primarily serve as contract administrator while technical training could be delivered by subject matter experts identified by the Legislature or contracting process.
The committee adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass HB650 SD1 with technical amendments and set a defective date of July 1, 2050. The roll call included the chair (aye), Senator Fukunaga (aye), Senator Kim (aye) and Senator Owa (no). The committee directed the agency to incorporate technical amendments for drafting and fiscal review.
