Buying lei made only with natural materials from Hawaii nei could be a new requirement for state agencies under an effort at the Legislature aimed at helping the local floriculture industry. Companion bills in the House and Senate that each recently received initial public hearings propose to limit state agencies from making large or small purchases of lei not made in Hawaii using 100% natural materials originating in the state.
Under the proposed restriction, lei made with imported flowers, seeds, leaves and other natural items would be phased out as allowable purchases by state agencies. So would lei made with fabric, candy and other manufactured materials. The measures cite negative impacts on local flower growers from increased use of imported plant materials and manufactured components.
Such lei, the bills also say, are often marketed using Hawaiian language, imagery and place names that may mislead consumers and undermine the local floriculture industry along with lei makers and cultural practitioners.
The bills would require that at least 30% of all lei purchased by state agencies by the end of 2032 be made entirely of natural objects and plant materials grown, harvested and assembled in Hawaii.
Read more at West Hawaii Today
