It is still relatively early in the conference period, therefore, only a few bills are being voted upon. One that came out is SB2584, SD2, HD1 Relating to Honey. The Senate conferees voted to agree to the House draft today.
The bill recognizes honey as an agricultural commodity under HRS Chapter 147. What this means is that honey would be supported as an industry under the Hawaii Grades and Standards law. Hawaii beekeepers, in their testimony, claim that the market is filled with "unnaturally cheap, adulterated, contaminated and mislabeled honey." This bill will allow the industry to develop a standard of identity for honey and to establish rules enforceable at the state level.
"All we are saying...is give bees a chance," the beekeepers said. Today, lawmakers obliged.
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