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GM 1340

Informing the Legislature that on June 27, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB534 HD2 SD1 CD1 (ACT 238).

2025 Regular Session

Requires country-of-landing labeling on raw processed ahi sold in Hawaii (poke, sushi); effective July 1, 2026; targets PACA-licensed retailers buying over $230k/year.

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Bill Summary · GM 1340

Summary: GM 1340 — Informing the Legislature of Act 238 (HB534 CD1)

Overview

GM 1340 is a proclamation-style measure informing the Hawaii Legislature that HB534, HD2, SD1, CD1 has been signed into law as Act 238 on June 27, 2025. The bill relates to labeling requirements for raw processed ahi (tuna) sold in Hawaii retail establishments, with an effective date of July 1, 2026.

Purpose and Intent

  • Address concerns that Hawaii consumers may be misled about the country of origin of ahi tuna sold in local retail markets, particularly in forms used for poke and sushi.
  • Close a perceived gap in country-of-origin information for seafood by requiring clear labeling of the country where the ahi was landed.
  • Protect consumers and support the local seafood economy by improving origin transparency for raw processed ahi.

Key Provisions

  • New labeling requirement: Retail establishments may not display or offer for sale raw processed ahi without a label stating the country in which the ahi was landed.
  • Scope of "raw processed ahi": Includes ahi that has been transformed by cutting, cubing, slicing, mincing, or combined with other ingredients (e.g., soy sauce, onions, etc.), and offered for sale.
  • Activities covered: Applies to retail establishments that deal with raw processed ahi, including products used for poke and sushi.
  • Definition of affected product: Ahi includes yellowfin tuna and bigeye tuna, whether wild-caught or farm-raised, as defined in applicable regulations.
  • Retail establishment definition: Includes establishments licensed under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act of 1930 that purchase over $230,000 of fresh or frozen produce per calendar year.
  • Effective date: The labeling requirement takes effect July 1, 2026.

Definitions (Key Terms)

  • Ahi: Yellowfin tuna or bigeye tuna, including farm-raised fish and ahi meeting “wild fish and shellfish” definitions in CFR.
  • Farm-raised fish: As defined by CFR provisions referenced in the act.
  • Raw processed ahi: A retail item derived from ahi that has been transformed (cut, cubed, sliced, minced, etc.) and may include other ingredients.
  • Retail establishment: PACA-licensed entities purchasing significant produce annually (over $230,000).

Affected Parties

  • Hawaii retail establishments that sell raw processed ahi (e.g., poke shops, sushi outlets, fish markets) must ensure labeling compliance.
  • Seafood suppliers and distributors involved in processing ahi for retail sale may need to adjust labeling practices and documentation to reflect country-of-landing information.

Timelines and Procedural Notes

  • Signing date: June 27, 2025.
  • Effective date of labeling requirement: July 1, 2026.
  • Status: GM 1340 indicates the bill was received as a proclamation to inform the Legislature of its enactment as Act 238.

Context and Rationale

  • The act seeks to address federal country-of-origin labeling gaps for seafood, specifically targeting imported, previously frozen, gas-treated ahi that may be marketed as locally sourced or freshly prepared.
  • Emphasizes consumer information and transparency in the rapidly growing local ahi market, including preparations that involve consumer-ready products like poke and sushi.

This summary provides a concise, nonpartisan overview of Act 238 as enacted through HB534, CD1, with emphasis on what changes are required, who is affected, and when the changes take effect.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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