WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

GM 1295

Informing the Legislature that on June 6, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB650 HD1 SD1 CD1 (ACT 195).

2025 Regular Session

Hawaii Act 195 dedicates $300K (FY2025–26) via DBEDT to educate local sea salt makers on FDA color additive guidance and petitions, effective July 1, 2025.

Received.
#act195
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · GM 1295

Summary: GM 1295 – Act 195 (HB650, CD1, SD1)

GM 1295 communicates that Governor Josh Green signed HB650, CD1, SD1 into law as Act 195 on June 6, 2025. The act relates to sea salt products and governs the use of color additives in Hawaii-made sea salts, with a focus on education and industry viability.

Purpose and Intent

  • Recognizes the rising popularity of Hawaii-made sea salt products, including those colored with natural materials (e.g., Hawaiian charcoal, volcanic clay).
  • Aligns state policy with the U.S. FDA’s guidance on color additives in sea salt products.
  • Establishes a program to educate and support local sea salt businesses regarding FDA guidance and the color additive petition process.

Key Provisions

  • Sec. 1 Findings and Purpose: States that sea salt manufacturers using color additives not approved for food use should pursue FDA color additive petitions. The act aims to support the continued viability of Hawaii’s sea salt sector by educating and assisting local businesses about FDA guidance on colored sea salt.
  • Sec. 2 Appropriation: Authorized $300,000 (or so much as needed) from the State’s general revenues for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. Funds are to be used to provide education and support to local sea salt businesses regarding FDA guidance on colored sea salt.
    • The appropriation is to be expended by the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT).
  • Sec. 3 Effective Date: The act takes effect on July 1, 2025.

Fiscal Impact

  • Total appropriation: $300,000 for FY 2025-2026.
  • Source: General revenues of the State of Hawaii.
  • Administration: Funds to be administered by DBEDT for education and support activities related to FDA color additive guidance.

Who Is Affected

  • Primary beneficiaries: Hawaii-based sea salt manufacturers and related local businesses engaged in producing and marketing colored sea salt products.
  • Secondary impact: The Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) overseeing program administration and outreach.

Implementation and Timeline

  • Effective date: July 1, 2025.
  • Program objectives: Educate and assist local businesses in understanding FDA guidance on color additives and the color additive petition process.
  • Legislative status: Introduced and enacted as Act 195; Governor’s signing officially confirmed on June 6, 2025.

This act is a targeted, industry-supportive measure intended to preserve and promote Hawaii’s sea salt sector by ensuring compliant use of color additives through education and FDA guidance.

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

Sign in to ask a question.