Hawai‘i has introduced stricter standards for labeling māmaki tea, a plant native to the islands. Governor Josh Green, M.D., recently signed Act 242 into law, which requires that any māmaki tea or dried leaves labeled as such must be entirely grown in Hawai‘i. Effective on Tuesday, the law aims to prevent misleading labeling that includes Hawaiian imagery, place names, or motifs by ensuring that all māmaki content in these products is sourced exclusively within the state.
With a nod to accountability, Hawai‘i's Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity's Measurement Standards Branch (DABS MSB) is tasked to enforce these regulations, and they may also roll out a certification program. According to the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity’s recent announcement, this could give consumers peace of mind when reaching for a comforting cup of māmaki. Sharon Hurd, the chairperson of Hawai‘i Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity, has lauded the move, feeling confident that local growers are given due protection, which is a boon for both them and tea aficionados alike.
Representative Kirstin Kahaloa, known for her role in introducing the bill, has been celebrating the win for Hawai‘i's agricultural integrity alongside Governor Green. "Mahalo to Governor Green and our legislators, especially Representative Kirstin Kahaloa, who introduced the bill and was instrumental in getting this bill passed to protect the state’s māmaki growers,” Sharon Hurd told the HDOA. The new law isn’t just a measure for authenticity, but it’s also a safeguard for the unique agricultural landscape and the farmers who cultivate it.
Questions around funding were quickly addressed, as Act 242 includes allocated resources for an MSB inspector to ensure proper enforcement of the new law. This position is tasked with making sure both the letter and the intent of the law are upheld. Industry members seeking clarification or guidance on compliance are encouraged to contact the MSB at [email protected], supporting efforts toward a more transparent tea trade in Hawai‘i.
