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That Purple Hawaii Vacation Lei Likely Came From Thailand, and some Lawmakers Want to Change That
Legislators seek labeling and procurement rules to support local lei-makers amid rising imports from Thailand, with 250,000 lei sold annually by Hawaii's largest florist.
- This year, Hawaii lawmakers introduced bills to protect the local lei industry, with Kila emphasizing lei's cultural importance and the Hawaiian Council backing the measures.
- Growing commercialization and tourism demand have pressured local growers, with the Senate bill saying imported and manufactured lei materials marketed with Hawaiian language and imagery may mislead consumers and undermine local growers.
- State agencies could face new sourcing rules, including requiring in-state flowers and forming a work group to study growers' capacity, requested by the Hawaiian Council.
- Watanabe Floral warned that restrictions could raise lei prices to $100, $150, $200 and reduce overall usage, while Pereira argued higher costs could push lei out of affordability and lead to more non-floral options.
- Lei traditions such as open-ended strands on the Legislature's opening day highlight cultural meanings, with puakenikeni and pikake driving strong demand this year.
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46 Articles
46 Articles
Associated Press News+45 Reposted by 45 other sources
Fragrant flower lei, synonymous with Hawaii, face competition from cheaper imports
Flower garlands are synonymous with Hawaii. But the purple orchid lei that adorn the necks of tourists often aren't made in the Aloha State.
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Total News Sources46
Leaning Left9Leaning Right2Center25Last UpdatedBias Distribution69% Center
Bias Distribution
- 69% of the sources are Center
69% Center
L 25%
C 69%
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