HR 195 Hawaii House · 2026 Regular Session

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO CONDUCT A STUDY ON RECYCLABLE, BIODEGRADABLE, AND COMPOSTABLE LABELING IN THE STATE TO DETERMINE IF THE LABELING IS ACCURATE AND NON-DECEPTIVE.

This House Resolution asks Hawaii's Department of Health to study how recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable product labels are used in the state to check if they are accurate and not misleading. The study will examine whether products with common symbols like the chasing arrows triangle are actually recyclable in Hawaii, and whether items labeled as biodegradable or compostable will break down under local conditions. It will also compare consumer expectations with what recycling and composting facilities can actually handle, and review existing labeling standards to find ways to reduce contamination and improve waste sorting. The department must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2026
Committee Review
Apr 2026
House Passage
Apr 2026
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced Mar 16, 2026 Last action Apr 1, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the House by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
6
Key actions
2
Committee
3
Apr 1, 2026
Lower · Passed
Report adopted; referred to the committee(s) on FIN with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0).
lower
Apr 1, 2026
Committee
Reported from EEP (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1628-26), recommending referral to FIN.
lower
Mar 24, 2026
Lower · Passed
The committee on EEP recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 5 Ayes: Representative(s) Lowen, Perruso, Chun, Kusch, Matsumoto; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 2 Excused: Representative(s) Kahaloa, Quinlan.
lower
Mar 18, 2026
Committee
Referred to EEP, FIN, referral sheet 19
lower
Mar 16, 2026
Introduced
Offered
lower
12 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors