STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3378

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 2475

H.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred H.B. No. 2475, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO LABELING REQUIREMENTS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to establish labeling requirements for ʻōkolehao products.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau, Hawaiʻi Island Chamber of Commerce, Ola Brew, and four individuals.

Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from four individuals.

Your Committee received comments on this measure from Kamehameha Schools.

Your Committee finds that ʻōkolehao is a traditional Hawaiian distilled spirit with historical and cultural significance. Establishing labeling requirements for ʻōkolehao products can benefit farmers, distillers, distributors, and retailers in the State to create an authentic visitor experience rooted in culture and place. This measure would regulate the traditional Hawaiian name and support local industry to further develop ʻōkolehao as a regionally distinctive product.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2475, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Hawaiian Affairs,

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HERBERT M. RICHARDS, III, Chair