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REPORT OF THE <br /> COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS, <br /> RELATIONS, AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT <br /> DATE: October 19, 2021 Re: Comm. No. 421/Res. No. 223-21 <br /> PLACE: Council Chambers <br /> Kailua-Kona, Hawai i <br /> TIME: 10:31 a.m. <br /> Council Chair and Members <br /> Hawaii County Council <br /> Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br /> Your Committee on Governmental Operations, Relations, and Economic Development,to which <br /> was referred Resolution No. 223-21, reports as follows: <br /> Resolution No. 223-21, transmitted via Communication No. 421 dated September 29, 2021 and <br /> introduced by Council Member Holeka Inaba, urges the State of Hawaii Legislature to amend <br /> coffee labeling requirements for blends of geographically named Hawai i-grown coffee. <br /> The resolution seeks amendments to State law to increase the minimum amount of <br /> Hawai i-grown coffee from 10 to 51 percent and to identify the geographic origin and <br /> corresponding percentage of coffee grown outside of Hawaii in blended coffees labeled as <br /> Hawai`i-grown. <br /> Mr. Inaba introduced the resolution by stating that it is important for the Council to take this <br /> stance to support our coffee farmers, protect the Hawaii coffee brand and encourage the State <br /> to take action on this issue. Several Council Members thanked Mr. Inaba for producing a <br /> well-written resolution. <br /> Council Chair Maile David emphasized the difficulties most local, family coffee growers have <br /> had due to lack of"truth in advertising" and expressed her desire to see the percentage go higher <br /> than the minimum 51% included in this resolution. <br /> Council Member Tim Richards stated that farming should not be a hobby but a profession that <br /> needs the Council's support. <br /> Mr. Inaba acknowledged that the 51% is an incremental step that is necessary to get legislation <br /> passed at the state level. He thanked his Legislative Assistant Wendy Baez and the coffee <br /> farmers for their help crafting the resolution. <br /> Committee Chair Heather Kimball gave her full support for the measure and emphasized the <br /> importance of expanding the Hawaii brand protection to other products in the future. <br /> GOREDC Report No.: 17 <br />