STAND.
COM. REP. NO. 749
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2023
RE: H.B. No. 1359
H.D. 2
Honorable Scott K. Saiki
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Second State Legislature
Regular Session of 2023
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.B. No. 1359, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HEMP,"
begs leave to report as follows:
(1) Repealing redundant regulations;
(2) Amending the hemp law in a manner that recognizes the unique constraints of Hawaii farmers, while protecting human health;
(3) Allowing licensed hemp producers to sell hemp biomass;
(4) Requiring transparency in labeling of hemp products to identify the percentage of Hawaii-grown hemp or hemp product in all hemp products;
(5) Requiring and appropriating funds for the Department of Health to hire or consult a toxicologist or consultant familiar with hemp industry standards for the purpose of setting defined action limits or exposure levels for different types of hemp products; and
(6) Extending the State's hemp processor law through July 1, 2027.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawai‘i Hemp Farmers Association, Kauai Hemp Company, Mulkern Landscaping & Nursery, Hemp Solutions Kauai, and sixteen individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Agriculture, Department of Health, and Department of the Attorney General.
Your Committee finds that hemp is a versatile, high-value crop with many recognized uses. Your Committee further finds that Act 14, Session Laws of Hawaii 2020, authorized the cultivation of hemp and the production and sale of hemp products in the State. However, hemp cultivation and production in the State have faced significant barriers in regulation that have stifled industry growth. This measure balances the interests of industry growth and protection of human health by reducing redundant regulatory barriers while ensuring appropriate protections are in place.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Deleting language requiring labels to indicate the percentage of Hawaii-grown hemp or hemp products; and
(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1359, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1359, H.D. 2.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce,
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____________________________ MARK M. NAKASHIMA, Chair |
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