Governor Josh Green has enacted Act 242, a new law that enhances labeling requirements for māmaki tea grown in Hawai‘i. Signed on June 27, 2025, the law took effect today and restricts the use of specific words and misleading Hawaiian imagery, place names, and motifs on labels of consumer packages containing or including tea or dried leaves from the māmaki plant unless they are entirely sourced from Hawai‘i.
Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the Hawai‘i Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity, expressed gratitude towards Governor Green and legislators for their efforts in passing the bill. “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,” she stated. Hurd also mentioned that further guidance would be provided to māmaki processors and manufacturers regarding compliance with the new law.
According to Act 242, any product labeled as containing māmaki must have all its māmaki content grown within Hawai‘i. While products may include other flavorings or types of teas, the māmaki itself must be both grown and processed in Hawai‘i.
The enforcement of these regulations will fall under the purview of the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity’s Measurement Standards Branch (MSB). The branch may also create a voluntary certification mark program to aid compliance with Act 242. Additionally, funds have been allocated for a dedicated MSB inspector position to support enforcement efforts.
For inquiries about this new law or its enforcement requirements, individuals can contact MSB at: [email protected]
