SB2781

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the lei is an important cultural, social, and economic expression of Hawaii and Native Hawaiian traditions. Lei made using a wide variety of plant materials, flowers, seeds, shells, and other natural or cultural components, are worn and shared in ceremonies, celebrations, and daily life throughout the State.

The legislature further finds that the growing commercialization of lei and lei materials has led to increased use of imported plant materials and manufactured components that are marketed using Hawaiian language, imagery, and place names, which may mislead consumers and undermine local growers, lei makers, and cultural practitioners.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to:

(1) Require and establish benchmarks for each state executive agency to ensure that a certain percentage of lei purchased by that executive agency consists of lei made entirely of natural objects and plant materials grown, harvested, and assembled in the State; and

(2) Establish labeling requirements for lei and lei materials.

SECTION 2. Chapter 103D, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part IV to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§103D- Lei; material grown, harvested, or assembled outside of the State; purchasing requirements. (a) Each state executive agency shall ensure that the following percentage of lei purchased is made entirely of natural objects and plant materials, including but not limited to leaves, ferns, flowers, vines, and seeds, that are grown, harvested, and assembled in the State:

(1) By December 31, 2032, thirty per cent of lei purchased shall be made entirely of natural objects and plant materials grown, harvested, and assembled in the State;

(2) By December 31, 2037, forty per cent of lei purchased shall be made entirely of natural objects and plant materials grown, harvested, and assembled in the State; and

(3) By December 31, 2042, fifty per cent of lei purchased shall be made entirely of natural objects and plant materials grown, harvested, and assembled in the State.

(b) Beginning January 1, 2043, no state executive agency shall purchase any lei containing plant material grown and harvested outside of the State.

(c) This section shall apply to any purchase of lei made by a state executive agency, including small purchases made under section 103D-305.

(d) For the purposes of this section, "state executive agency" means any department, office, board, or commission of the state, including any administratively attached bodies."

SECTION 3. Chapter 486, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part V to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§486- Lei; lei materials; labeling requirements; documentation; penalties. (a) No person shall keep, offer, display or expose for sale, or solicit for the sale of any lei or lei materials that are labeled with the term "Hawaii Grown", or any variation of that term, unless at least ninety per cent of the lei or lei materials were cultivated or harvested within the State.

(b) No person shall keep, offer, display or expose for sale, or solicit for the sale of, any lei that is labeled with the term "Hawaii Made" unless the lei was crafted or assembled within the State.

(c) A person who keeps, offers, displays or exposes for sale, or solicits for the sale of any lei or lei materials labeled with the terms "Hawaii Grown" or "Hawaii Made", or any variation of these terms, shall provide documentation demonstrating compliance with the labeling requirements of this section to the administrator upon request.

(d) A person or the department may bring an action for injunctive relief against a person who is not in compliance with the requirements of this section.

(e) Any person who violates this section shall be subject to penalties imposed pursuant to section 486-32.

(f) For the purposes of this section, "lei" means a garland, wreath, or ornament traditionally worn or presented, made from plant materials, including but not limited to leaves, ferns, flowers, vines, and seeds; natural objects, including shells; or manufactured components."

SECTION 4. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.

SECTION 5. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2781
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII