HB 2475HawaiiProcess complete

Spirits must meet Hawaiʻi rules to use the ʻōkolehao name

Hawaiʻi law limits which spirits may use the ʻōkolehao name and requires trade packages of ʻōkolehao to state how the product was made.

What it does

Consumer spirit labels may use ʻōkolehao names only for spirits that meet the law’s definition. Hawaiian images, place names, or motifs are restricted when they could mislead buyers about what is inside.

Nonconsumer packages of ʻōkolehao entering trade must say they are Hawaiʻi-distilled and made with Hawaiʻi-grown ki.

To qualify as ʻōkolehao, a spirit must meet the law’s rules for ki and other locally grown ingredients, where it is made, and alcohol content. The department may offer a voluntary certification mark and seek court orders to enforce the rules.

Argument forBuyers may find it easier to identify ʻōkolehao because labels can use the name only for spirits that meet the law’s ingredient and production rules.

Argument againstThe rule could limit label designs using Hawaiian images, place names, or motifs when a reasonable person could be misled about whether the spirit contains ʻōkolehao.

More detail

Consumer spirit labels may use ʻōkolehao terms only when the spirit meets the law’s definition. This rule covers labels on consumer packages containing or including distilled spirits. Hawaiian images, place names, or motifs are restricted only when they would mislead a reasonable person into believing the package contains ʻōkolehao. The law took effect upon approval on June 26, 2026.

Nonconsumer packages of ʻōkolehao entering commerce must carry a label stating that the product is “Hawaiʻi-distilled ʻōkolehao made with Hawaiʻi-grown ki.” This applies to nonconsumer packages introduced into trade within Hawaiʻi or between states. The law took effect upon approval on June 26, 2026.

The law defines which spirits qualify as ʻōkolehao; the department may offer a voluntary certification mark and seek court orders to compel compliance. These rules apply to spirits described as ʻōkolehao under the labeling requirements. At least 51 percent of the fermentable sugars must come from ki root, and all ki root used must be grown in Hawaiʻi. The spirit must be distilled and bottled in the State, and at least 51 percent of its agricultural products must be grown and harvested there. The spirit must be distilled below 95 percent alcohol by volume and bottled at 40 percent alcohol by volume or more. Flavoring and coloring materials, including those from barrel aging, must meet federal standards. The certification mark is voluntary. Violations are subject to penalties under section 486-32. The law took effect upon approval on June 26, 2026.

Where do you stand?

Tell your reps

Take a position to see your representatives and ways to contact them.

More on this bill

Where it stands

IntroducedJan 27
Passed HouseMar 6
Passed SenateApr 14
To Governor
Became LawJun 26

Looking ahead

No hearings or votes scheduled.

History

2026
1. Jun 26Act 170, 06/26/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1272).Latest
2. Jun 26Act 170, on 06/26/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1272).Became Law
3. May 8Received notice of passage on Final Reading in House (Hse. Com. No. 888).Minor
4. May 7Transmitted to Governor.
5. May 6Passed Final Reading as amended in CD 1 with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0).Major
  - Vote recorded Passed Final Reading as amended in CD 1. Result: pass.Lower
6. May 5Received notice of Final Reading (Sen. Com. No. 814).Minor
7. May 1Deferred one day 05-06-26.Minor
  - Vote recorded Passed Final Reading, as amended (CD 1). Result: pass.Upper
8. May 1Passed Final Reading, as amended (CD 1). Ayes, 24; Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 1 (Senator(s) Fukunaga).Major
9. Apr 29Reported from Conference Committee (Conf Com. Rep. No. 17-26) as amended in (CD 1).
10. Apr 29Forty-eight (48) hours notice Friday, 05-01-26.
11. Apr 29Reported from Conference Committee as amended CD 1 (Conf. Com. Rep. No. 17-26).
12. Apr 2948 Hrs. Notice (as amended CD 1) 05-01-26
13. Apr 27The Conference Committee recommends that the measure be Passed, with Amendments. The votes were as follows: 5 Ayes: Representative(s) Ilagan, Grandinetti, Kahaloa, Tam, Gedeon; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 0 Excused: none.Minor
  - Vote recorded The Conference committee recommends that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. Result: pass.Upper
  - Vote recorded The Conference Committee recommends that the measure be Passed, with Amendments. Result: pass.Lower
14. Apr 27The Conference committee recommends that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes of the Senate Conference Managers were as follows: 2 Aye(s): Senator(s) Richards, Lamosao; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) DeCorte.Minor
15. Apr 24Conference committee meeting scheduled for 04-27-26 3:15PM; Conference Room 325.
16. Apr 23Senate Conferees Appointed: Richards Chair; Lamosao Co-Chair; DeCorte.
17. Apr 23Received notice of Senate conferees (Sen. Com. No. 737).Minor
18. Apr 20House Conferees Appointed: Ilagan, Grandinetti Co-Chairs; Kahaloa, Tam, Gedeon.
19. Apr 20Received notice of appointment of House conferees (Hse. Com. No. 786).Minor
20. Apr 17Received notice of disagreement (Hse. Com. No. 780).Minor
21. Apr 16House disagrees with Senate amendment (s).Minor
22. Apr 14Report adopted; Passed Third Reading, as amended (SD 1). Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House.Passed Senate
  - Vote recorded Report adopted; Passed Third Reading, as amended (SD 1). Result: pass.Upper
23. Apr 14Returned from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 697) in amended form (SD 1).
24. Apr 10Reported from CPN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 3713) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading, as amended (SD 1).
25. Apr 1048 Hrs. Notice 04-14-26.
26. Apr 7The committee(s) on CPN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in CPN were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Keohokalole, Fukunaga, Lamosao, McKelvey; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Awa.Minor
  - Vote recorded The committee(s) on CPN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. Result: pass.Upper
27. Apr 2The committee(s) on CPN will hold a public decision making on 04-07-26 9:25AM; Conference Room 229 & Videoconference.
28. Mar 30Reported from HWN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 3378) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading and referral to CPN.
29. Mar 30Report adopted; Passed Second Reading and referred to CPN.Minor
30. Mar 24The committee(s) on HWN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in HWN were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) Richards, Lamosao, DeCorte; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 2 Excused: Senator(s) Ihara, Keohokalole.Minor
  - Vote recorded The committee(s) on HWN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. Result: pass.Upper
31. Mar 17The committee(s) on HWN has scheduled a public hearing on 03-24-26 2:05PM; Conference Room 224 & Videoconference.
32. Mar 10Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 212).Minor
33. Mar 10Passed First Reading.Minor
34. Mar 10Referred to HWN, CPN.Minor
35. Mar 6Reported from CPC (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 981-26), recommending passage on Third Reading.
  - Vote recorded Passed Third Reading. Result: pass.Lower
36. Mar 6Passed Third Reading with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Perruso, Quinlan, Sayama excused (3). Transmitted to Senate.Passed House
37. Feb 26The committee on CPC recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 8 Ayes: Representative(s) Matayoshi, Grandinetti, Chun, Ilagan, Ichiyama, Kong, Lowen, Tam; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 3 Excused: Representative(s) Iwamoto, Marten, Pierick.Minor
  - Vote recorded The committee on CPC recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. Result: pass.Lower
38. Feb 24Bill scheduled to be heard by CPC on Thursday, 02-26-26 2:00PM in House conference room 329 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE.
39. Feb 18Reported from ECD (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 418-26) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to CPC.
  - Vote recorded Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on CPC. Result: pass.Lower
40. Feb 18Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on CPC with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0).Minor
41. Feb 13The committee on ECD recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 7 Ayes: Representative(s) Ilagan, Hussey, Holt, Tam, Templo, Yamashita, Gedeon; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and Excused: none.Minor
  - Vote recorded The committee on ECD recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. Result: pass.Lower
42. Feb 10Bill scheduled to be heard by ECD on Friday, 02-13-26 8:30AM in House conference room 423 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE.
43. Feb 2Referred to ECD, CPC, referral sheet 6Minor
44. Jan 28Introduced and Pass First Reading.Minor
45. Jan 27Pending introduction.Introduced

Consumer ProtectionAgriculture

Issue with this bill?

HB 2475HawaiiProcess complete

Spirits must meet Hawaiʻi rules to use the ʻōkolehao name

Hawaiʻi law limits which spirits may use the ʻōkolehao name and requires trade packages of ʻōkolehao to state how the product was made.

What it does

Nonconsumer packages of ʻōkolehao entering trade must say they are Hawaiʻi-distilled and made with Hawaiʻi-grown ki.

Argument forBuyers may find it easier to identify ʻōkolehao because labels can use the name only for spirits that meet the law’s ingredient and production rules.

Argument againstThe rule could limit label designs using Hawaiian images, place names, or motifs when a reasonable person could be misled about whether the spirit contains ʻōkolehao.

More detail

Where do you stand?

Tell your reps

Take a position to see your representatives and ways to contact them.

More on this bill

Where it stands

IntroducedJan 27
Passed HouseMar 6
Passed SenateApr 14
To Governor
Became LawJun 26

Looking ahead

No hearings or votes scheduled.

History

2026
1. Jun 26Act 170, 06/26/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1272).Latest
2. Jun 26Act 170, on 06/26/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1272).Became Law
3. May 8Received notice of passage on Final Reading in House (Hse. Com. No. 888).Minor
4. May 7Transmitted to Governor.
5. May 6Passed Final Reading as amended in CD 1 with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0).Major
  - Vote recorded Passed Final Reading as amended in CD 1. Result: pass.Lower
6. May 5Received notice of Final Reading (Sen. Com. No. 814).Minor
7. May 1Deferred one day 05-06-26.Minor
  - Vote recorded Passed Final Reading, as amended (CD 1). Result: pass.Upper
8. May 1Passed Final Reading, as amended (CD 1). Ayes, 24; Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 1 (Senator(s) Fukunaga).Major
9. Apr 29Reported from Conference Committee (Conf Com. Rep. No. 17-26) as amended in (CD 1).
10. Apr 29Forty-eight (48) hours notice Friday, 05-01-26.
11. Apr 29Reported from Conference Committee as amended CD 1 (Conf. Com. Rep. No. 17-26).
12. Apr 2948 Hrs. Notice (as amended CD 1) 05-01-26
13. Apr 27The Conference Committee recommends that the measure be Passed, with Amendments. The votes were as follows: 5 Ayes: Representative(s) Ilagan, Grandinetti, Kahaloa, Tam, Gedeon; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 0 Excused: none.Minor
  - Vote recorded The Conference committee recommends that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. Result: pass.Upper
  - Vote recorded The Conference Committee recommends that the measure be Passed, with Amendments. Result: pass.Lower
14. Apr 27The Conference committee recommends that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes of the Senate Conference Managers were as follows: 2 Aye(s): Senator(s) Richards, Lamosao; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) DeCorte.Minor
15. Apr 24Conference committee meeting scheduled for 04-27-26 3:15PM; Conference Room 325.
16. Apr 23Senate Conferees Appointed: Richards Chair; Lamosao Co-Chair; DeCorte.
17. Apr 23Received notice of Senate conferees (Sen. Com. No. 737).Minor
18. Apr 20House Conferees Appointed: Ilagan, Grandinetti Co-Chairs; Kahaloa, Tam, Gedeon.
19. Apr 20Received notice of appointment of House conferees (Hse. Com. No. 786).Minor
20. Apr 17Received notice of disagreement (Hse. Com. No. 780).Minor
21. Apr 16House disagrees with Senate amendment (s).Minor
22. Apr 14Report adopted; Passed Third Reading, as amended (SD 1). Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House.Passed Senate
  - Vote recorded Report adopted; Passed Third Reading, as amended (SD 1). Result: pass.Upper
23. Apr 14Returned from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 697) in amended form (SD 1).
24. Apr 10Reported from CPN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 3713) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading, as amended (SD 1).
25. Apr 1048 Hrs. Notice 04-14-26.
26. Apr 7The committee(s) on CPN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in CPN were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Keohokalole, Fukunaga, Lamosao, McKelvey; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Awa.Minor
  - Vote recorded The committee(s) on CPN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. Result: pass.Upper
27. Apr 2The committee(s) on CPN will hold a public decision making on 04-07-26 9:25AM; Conference Room 229 & Videoconference.
28. Mar 30Reported from HWN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 3378) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading and referral to CPN.
29. Mar 30Report adopted; Passed Second Reading and referred to CPN.Minor
30. Mar 24The committee(s) on HWN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in HWN were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) Richards, Lamosao, DeCorte; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 2 Excused: Senator(s) Ihara, Keohokalole.Minor
  - Vote recorded The committee(s) on HWN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. Result: pass.Upper
31. Mar 17The committee(s) on HWN has scheduled a public hearing on 03-24-26 2:05PM; Conference Room 224 & Videoconference.
32. Mar 10Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 212).Minor
33. Mar 10Passed First Reading.Minor
34. Mar 10Referred to HWN, CPN.Minor
35. Mar 6Reported from CPC (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 981-26), recommending passage on Third Reading.
  - Vote recorded Passed Third Reading. Result: pass.Lower
36. Mar 6Passed Third Reading with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Perruso, Quinlan, Sayama excused (3). Transmitted to Senate.Passed House
37. Feb 26The committee on CPC recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 8 Ayes: Representative(s) Matayoshi, Grandinetti, Chun, Ilagan, Ichiyama, Kong, Lowen, Tam; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 3 Excused: Representative(s) Iwamoto, Marten, Pierick.Minor
  - Vote recorded The committee on CPC recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. Result: pass.Lower
38. Feb 24Bill scheduled to be heard by CPC on Thursday, 02-26-26 2:00PM in House conference room 329 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE.
39. Feb 18Reported from ECD (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 418-26) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to CPC.
  - Vote recorded Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on CPC. Result: pass.Lower
40. Feb 18Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on CPC with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0).Minor
41. Feb 13The committee on ECD recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 7 Ayes: Representative(s) Ilagan, Hussey, Holt, Tam, Templo, Yamashita, Gedeon; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and Excused: none.Minor
  - Vote recorded The committee on ECD recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. Result: pass.Lower
42. Feb 10Bill scheduled to be heard by ECD on Friday, 02-13-26 8:30AM in House conference room 423 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE.
43. Feb 2Referred to ECD, CPC, referral sheet 6Minor
44. Jan 28Introduced and Pass First Reading.Minor
45. Jan 27Pending introduction.Introduced

Consumer ProtectionAgriculture

Issue with this bill?

What it does

Where do you stand?

Choose your position

Tell your reps

More on this bill

Where it stands

Looking ahead

History

What it does

Where do you stand?

Choose your position

Tell your reps

More on this bill

Where it stands

Looking ahead

History