Aloha Governor Abercrombie,

We urge you to VETO HB280.

We cannot afford to open up Hawaiian coffees to the kind of fraud the State Certification system has addressed and has prevented for more than 15 years. The reputation and integrity of Hawaii-grown coffee, especially 100% Kona Coffee, is critical to the consumer. The State of Hawaii must protect this last true jewel of Hawaiian agriculture.

If HB280 is allowed to pass without the mandated State inspection for quality and for origin in place, Kona Coffee farmers will  see their consumer’s confidence slowly erode for this premium Hawaiian product. Please protect Hawaii's family farmers.

Keep what we have. It is working! Hire more inspectors to make the current mandatory State inspection continue to work.

Please VETO HB280 with out delay!

Thank you.