LIHU‘E — The local hemp industry found itself on better ground on Wednesday, when legislation repealing redundant regulations became law in Hawai‘i.
House Bill 1359, which was sponsored by Rep. Dee Morikawa (District 17) of Kaua‘i, was enacted into law as Act 263. Morikawa, who introduced the legislation during the 2023 legislative session, did so on behalf of hemp supporters looking for a way to help revive and strengthen the industry.
“Due to stringent regulations, Hawai‘i’s hemp farmers have faced numerous challenges in bringing their products to market,” said Morikawa, whose district includes the southern and western portions of the island and Ni‘ihau, in a statement.
“Act 263 strives to uplift the local hemp industry and provide people with easier access to the numerous benefits offered by hemp products.”
The act states that hemp has more than 50,000 recognized uses, including as a fuel, food and fiber. The act further states hemp has “significant potential to provide a lucrative crop for Hawaii farmers and can support food security for the state.”
But overregulation of the industry has stifled growth, something the new act aims to remedy. Beside doing away with redundant regulations, which will reduce costs for local farmers, the act also permits the licensure of hemp producers to sell hemp biomass (the non-flower parts of the plant).
The act also establishes the Hawai‘i Hemp Task Force, which will be jointly convened by the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture and Department of Health to gather and analyze data in order to better grasp industry needs.
Additionally, the act promotes labeling transparency by specifying the percentage of hemp grown in Hawai‘i and allocates money to the health department for hiring or consulting with a toxicologist or consultant in order to foster farmer confidence in hemp growth.
“We foresee hemp becoming an important agricultural crop in Hawai‘i with the proper support from the state,” said Morikawa in a statement. “We are happy that the community was heard and are grateful for the Legislature’s support.”
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Wyatt Haupt Jr., editor, can be reached at 808-245-0457 or whaupt@thegardenisland.com.
