Committee moves to close loophole on Hawaii-grown coffee labeling

On Jan. 31, 2025 the House Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems advanced HB 1291 to make false labeling of Hawaii-grown coffee applicable to roasted coffee and to impose a $10,000 fine for each separate offense.

The Department of Agriculture testified in support and requested restoration of a labeling/inspector position that was eliminated in 2009; the department said an additional position would help implement labeling enforcement if the bill passes. Coffee industry groups including the Hawaii Coffee Association, the Kona Coffee Farmers Association and the Hawaii Agricultural Council submitted supportive testimony and emphasized that the measure closes an important loophole in the statute.

Committee members discussed whether the department needs a single additional position to support labeling enforcement and whether that position had already been requested in related legislation; the department said it currently has one inspector that performs device inspections and labeling approvals out of Hilo and that a second position would be helpful if multiple labeling statutes are enacted.

At decision making the committee approved a house draft with technical amendments, added language clarifying that each act of false labeling is a separate offense, directed refinement of the roasted-coffee definition, and included a savings clause. The committee deferred the effective date to July 1, 3000 and advanced the bill with the committee’s amendments.