A bill strengthening labeling requirements for Hawaii-grown coffee blends was deferred Wednesday by the House Judiciary Committee.
House Bill 1886 would have gradually increased the minimum percentage of Hawaii-grown coffee from 10% to 51% over a three-year period, rather than an immediate implementation to the higher minimum as initially proposed.
The bill was introduced by Oahu and Big Island representatives, including Richard Creagan, D-Kona, Ka‘u, Nicole Lowen D-North Kona, and David Tarnas, D-North Kona, North and South Kohala.
Lowen said Thursday afternoon that she believes the bill stalled after the amended version included appropriations, but was not referred to the Finance Committee before the required deadline.
“I’m committed to keep fighting for this bill and our farmers,” said Lowen.
The measure was initially introduced to increase the minimum immediately to 51%, however, the first committee assigned to hear the bill, the Committee…
