News Release: June 4, 2004

PUBLIC INPUT SOUGHT ON NEW HAWAII
"SEAL OF QUALITY" PROGRAM

Honolulu - The Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) will hold public meetings this month to obtain input on a new Hawaii Seal of Quality program that would identify products that have met specific quality standards and are grown and/or manufactured in Hawaii. 

Hawaii's agricultural producers and food manufacturers are encouraged to attend the meetings to learn about the program and how it can benefit their businesses.  HDOA and The Brand Strategy Group, which has been contracted to assist in the branding project, will conduct the meetings statewide which will include presentations on the background of the Seal of Quality law, the rule-making procedures, regulation and enforcement, the development of a branding platform, qualifications for participation, the cost to participants, promotion efforts, and the actual seal.

Previous meetings with producers and manufacturers were valuable in shaping the program and continued feedback will further assist the department in establishing a successful program.

The following is a list of the meeting schedule:

• Oahu - June 8, 2004, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  HDOA's Plant Quarantine Branch Conference Room, 1849 Auiki Street, Sand Island
   
• West Hawaii - June 17, 2004, 10:00 a.m. to Noon
  UH Cooperative Extension Center, 79-7381 Mamalahoa Highway, Kealakekua
   
• Maui & Molokai - June 19, 2004, 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
  Maui Community College, Kalama Bldg. Room 107, 310 Kaahumanu Avenue, Kahului
   
• East Hawaii - June 22, 2004, 10:00 a.m. to Noon
  UH Cooperative Extension Center Conference Room, 875 Komohana Street, Hilo
   
• Kauai - June 30, 2004, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  Moikeha, County Building, Meeting Rms A & B (Planning Commission Hearing Rooms)

For more information on the meetings and the Hawaii Seal of Quality Program, contact HDOA's Market Development Branch at (808) 973-9465 or 973-9594.

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Media contact:

Janelle Saneishi
Public Information Officer
Hawaii Department of Agriculture
Phone: (808) 973-9560