Although it’s not what Coffee farmers were hoping for, the first step to protect the name Kona and other geographic names for the coffee grown and produced in the state was passed through the Hawaii State senate and awaits Governor Josh Green’s signature.
SB746 passed all conference hearings and is set to be the first labeling bill to make it this far in 32 years.
The bill expands the coffee labeling and advertising requirements to include ready-to-drink coffee beverages and the inner packages and inner wrapping labels of roasted coffee, instant coffee, and ready-to-drink coffee beverages. It specifies that the coffee labeling and advertising requirements apply if the applicable products are produced in whole or in part from Hawaii-grown and Hawaii-processed green coffee beans.
Additionally it requires disclosure on the label of coffee blends of the respective geographic and regional origins and per cent by weight of the blended coffees and prohibits use of the term “All Hawaiian” in labeling or advertising for roasted coffee or instant coffee not produced entirely from green coffee beans grown and processed in Hawaii.
“Kona coffee is world-renowned for its unique, rare flavor that makes it among the highest valued coffee sold anywhere in the world—a price reflective of its reputation for outstanding quality. However, many local farmers have reported a depreciation in value when the market is oversaturated with less expensive coffees that are labeled as originating from Hawaii,” said Sen. Dru Kanuha, who introduces the bill along with 10 other legislatures.
“As such, I am pleased that the Legislature took a huge step towards truth-in-labeling for Hawaii -grown products and supporting local farmers with the passage of SB746 CD1. SB746 will reduce misrepresentation in labeling and advertising of Kona coffee, and will allow small, hardworking farmers to benefit from the brand they have worked so hard to promote,” he said.
The Kona Coffee Farmers Association has worked tirelessly for three decades to get passage of a labeling bill.
“Passage of this bill protects Kona and other Hawaii origin coffees by providing consumers with correct labeling information on the percentage of foreign-grown coffee in the bag,” said Suzanne Shriner, Vice President of the Kona Coffee Farmers Association. “Truthful food labels are a critical component of our agricultural economy, affecting a farmer’s ability to earn a fair price for their products and promoting the growth of local and regional food systems. The Kona Coffee Farmers Association supports statewide labeling systems that are transparent and fair to both consumers and producers for all Hawaii crops.”
State Representative Nicole Lowen, who introduced a companion bill in the House said that although the bill that passed straightened labeling, it is not the main event coffee farmers are seeking.
“We are pleased we made progress, “she said. “But we are still looking for 51-100% to be able to use the work Kona in labeling.”
Bruce Corker has been active in trying to pass legislation regarding Kona Coffee.
“After 32 years of efforts by Kona coffee farmers, this is the first bill that made progress toward reform of Hawaii’s 10% blend law and progress toward truth-in-labeling for Hawaii-grown coffee. The bill is also an important consumer protection measure,” he said. “We will still try to get the 51% measure passed. The minimum should be 51%, but we would like to see 100%.”
“Big mahalo to our Hawaii Island delegation for advocating for SB746 throughout the legislative process, as well as Rep. Kapela for introducing the House companion of the measure. I look forward to continuing the collaborative work with our Hawaii Island farmers and other stakeholders to ensure our coffee industry continues to thrive,” said Kanuha.