A legislative effort to authorize direct-to-consumer shipping of beer and spirits in and out of Hawaii encountered a setback after advancing swiftly through multiple committees. House Bill 108, which aimed to expand distribution options for craft beverage producers, moved through five committees across both legislative chambers between March 18 and March 21 before being deferred in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
The bill gained significant support from the Hawaiian Craft Brewers Guild and the Brewers Association (BA), who organized a strategic advocacy campaign. Supporters, including State Government Affairs Director Sam DeWitt, traveled to Honolulu to rally lawmakers, engage key Senate committee chairs, and provide testimony in favor of the measure. Their efforts generated momentum and enthusiasm among legislative leaders, culminating in a crucial hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Despite the strong push, the committee opted to defer the bill, effectively halting its progress for this legislative session. The decision marks a temporary setback for proponents of expanded consumer access to locally produced alcoholic beverages. Advocates remain committed to pursuing future opportunities to revisit the issue and push for policy changes that support the state’s craft brewing and distilling industries.
You Might Be Interested In:
