Hawaii House Bill (HB) 108, a bill that would authorize direct-to-consumer (DTC) shipping for beer and distilled spirits, passed through the Hawaii House Finance Committee unanimously on Friday, February 21. The bill now heads to the floor for consideration and final passage before moving to the state Senate.

Testimony from Hawaiian Craft Brewers Guild members and Brewers Association (BA) government affairs staff was impassioned, urging movement on a bill that has been introduced in prior legislative sessions but failed to advance in time for consideration.

“It has been really great to see our local community come together for the success of HB108,” said Naehalani Breeland of Ola Brew Company, with locations in Hilo and Kona. “This is an exciting time, and the benefit to our local craft producers and our loyal consumers, both here and in the continental U.S., will be immeasurable if we can pass this bill into law.”

A floor vote has yet to be scheduled, but brewers are calling their lawmakers to urge movement on the bill.

The BA will continue to advocate in states like Hawaii for more routes to market for craft brewers.