Senate committees amend SB 890 to require origin labeling for poi after testimony on supply and constitutionality

The Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection and the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism on Feb. 26 voted to pass SB 890 SD1 with amendments that replace a proposed ban on labeling a product as “poi” unless it is wholly derived from in-state taro with a labeling requirement identifying the origins of ingredients.

The change follows testimony from the Attorney General's Office raising concerns about Commerce Clause and First Amendment (free speech) implications and from local producers and cultural groups who said they want to protect the cultural integrity of poi while avoiding unintended harm to local businesses.

Deputy Attorney General (Attorney General's Office) told the committees, “we provided comments on a commerce clause and free speech clause issue. I'm here if you have any questions.” The committees’ amendment adds a mandatory disclosure of ingredient origins for poi made…