HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0421.001 2020-2022 s
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HAWAII COFFEE COMPANY"
1555 Kalani Street
Honolulu,Hawaii 96817
Ph:808-847-3600
Fax:808-847-7900
www.hicoffeeco.com
TO: Councilmember Heather L. Kimball, Chair
Councilmember Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, Vice Chair
Members of the Committee on Government Operations, Relations, and Economic
Development
FROM: Gerard Bastiaanse, President- Hawaii Coffee Company
RE: Resolution 223-21 Urging the Hawaii State Legislature to Amend Coffee
Labeling Requirements for Blends of Geographically Named Hawaii-Grow
Coffee
October 19, 2021, 10:30 a.m.; Via Videoconference ¢&
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The Hawaii Coffee Company appreciates this opportunity to provide comments on Resolution - -.
21,which urges the Hawaii State Legislature to amend the minimum percentage requirement for
blends of geographically named Hawaii-grown coffee from 10%to 51%, and that the remaining
49% of its contents be geographically identified as to origin and percentage of coffee, from each
origin contained therein.
While we understand the intent of the resolution, requiring such a standard could have unintended
consequences.
Hawaii Coffee Company offers a range of coffee, from 10% Kona blend to 100% Kona coffee.
Although the majority are Kona blends, we do sell blends with 10% or more from other Hawaii
locations outside Kona. The labels reflect whether it is a blend or 100% so customers are informed
and have a choice. The more affordable 10% Kona blend coffee is served at restaurants as well as
purchased in traditional grocery or similar retailers. Eliminating 10%blends will force consumers
and our restaurant partners to select another affordable alternative roasted on the mainland,by a
mainland-based company, which includes no Hawaiian coffee or be prepared to pay a five times
higher price.
Additionally,requiring the remaining 49% of a blend to be geographically identified as to origin
and percentage of coffee, from each origin is not realistic. Blends change all the time depending on
availability and are blended to taste, not origin.
By eliminating all 10% coffee blends,the overall demand for Kona coffee purchased from farmers
by Hawaii Coffee Company, and other roasters, will significantly decline and will have a
corresponding negative impact on the coffee cherry price. This reduction in the price Kona farmers
receive for their coffee may challenge the commercial viability of many multi-generational farms.
Finally,we question the arbitrary percentage of 51%. An economic impact study should be done
before passing legislation. Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments.
Comm!
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