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SB 135

RELATING TO THE LABELING OF MACADAMIA NUTS.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Stanley Chang and 6 co-sponsors

Hawaii bill requiring macadamia nut labeling deferred by committees; aims to inform consumers on product origin and quality while potentially supporting local growers over importers.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
#labeling #macadamianuts #processed
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Bill Summary · SB 135

Legislative bill overview

SB 135 establishes labeling requirements for macadamia nuts sold in Hawaii, likely mandating origin disclosure or quality standards on packaging. The bill has been deferred by multiple committees and carried over to the 2026 legislative session without advancing to a vote.

Why is this important

Hawaii is a major macadamia nut producer, and labeling requirements could affect consumer transparency, domestic producer competitiveness against imports, and market dynamics. Clear labeling standards can protect consumers and local growers but may increase compliance costs for retailers and importers.

Potential points of contention

  • Consumer protection vs. business burden: Mandatory labeling increases compliance costs for businesses, particularly smaller retailers, while consumers may benefit from clearer product origin information
  • Local vs. imported products: The bill likely favors Hawaii-grown macadamias over imports; import-dependent businesses and mainland suppliers may oppose preferential labeling requirements
  • Implementation details unclear: Without seeing the full bill text, specifics on what must be labeled (origin, quality grade, farming method) and enforcement mechanisms remain unknown, affecting stakeholder support

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

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