STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2895

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2781

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Commerce and Consumer Protection and Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 2781, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO LEI,"

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to require the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to:

(1) Convene a working group to identify, gather, and report on any existing studies or assessments conducted or data assembled by the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity or University of Hawaii on flower farms, lei materials, and the capacity of local floriculture to meet public and private demand;

(2) Conduct a study of the State's floriculture industry; and

(3) Submit a report to the Legislature.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau, and one individual.

Your Committees received comments on this measure from the Hawaiian Council and one individual.

Your Committees find that the lei is a deep expression of Native Hawaiian tradition and culture that connects land, people, and ceremony across generations. Your Committees further find that the cultural integrity of lei-making is at risk and consumers can be misled due to the growing use of imported materials that are marketed using Hawaiian language and imagery. This measure would facilitate data collection and market research to support the local lei industry and rural economic stability, reduce dependence on imports, promote fair labeling, and protect unique cultural practices.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Commerce and Consumer Protection and Ways and Means that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2781, S.D. 1, and recommend that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Commerce and Consumer Protection and Ways and Means,

________________________________ DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair

________________________________ JARRETT KEOHOKALOLE, Chair