Dear Friend,
We at FTCLDF wanted to make sure you knew about Hawaii House Bill 521 (HB 521), and that there is an on-line hearing scheduled on the bill on February 16 at 2 p.m. in the Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce. To register to submit written testimony and also view the livestream visit HERE. The bill description states that if passed, HB 521 would authorize and decriminalize the sale of raw milk and raw milk products directly from producers to consumers, for human consumption, with certain restrictions. The bill would also authorize the sale of raw goat milk for pet consumption and establish labeling requirements. As it stands now, Hawaii law does not permit the sales of raw milk. The state law is silent on herdshare arrangements with no prohibition. The bill would permit the sale of raw milk but would now regulate both production of raw milk and herdshare arrangements. One concern is that the bill simply provides that the Board of the Department of Agriculture shall adopt rules regulating raw milk, and that it “include conditions similar to those found in the administrative rules of other states that allow the sale of raw milk and raw milk product.” Of course, state laws vary tremendously. Information about contacting your state representative is included below. In addition, if you know more about the background of this bill, please let us know! In good health,
Alexia Kulwiec Executive Director | 
