HONOLULU (KHON2) — In the first year it was introduced, a bill looking to require retailers to label where raw ahi products come from, has moved all the way to Gov. Josh Green’s desk.
The local fish industry said it wanted to have an even playing field when it came to fresh vs. frozen fish and people buying poke.
Poke is one of the most popular food items in Hawaii, and many are unaware that most of it, nearly 90%, is actually imported from other countries.
A woman visiting from Canada said she had no idea poke came from other countries and thought it was all from Hawaii.
Fishing industry leaders say most frozen fish sold in Hawaii comes from Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines.
“They are freezing this product, and often times treating it with carbon monoxide,” explained Mike Goto, United Fishing Agency vice president. “A new process is they inject fruit juice into tuna that has turned brown and both processes take product beyond normal standards, make it look like it’s fresh caught when its not, so it’s a misrepresentation.”
The USDA requires all seafood sold in stores to have a country of origin label, but if a product is prepared, like poke is, the requirement is gone.
Goto said retailers will take imported fish, mix it with local ingredients and add a Hawaiian word to it and make it sound like it is local fish. But the bill sent to the governor’s desk would require retailers to label the country of origin for ahi products like sashimi and poke.
“I think this is a first step in a longer campaign to show everyone there is a difference in the quality and product they’re consuming,” Goto added.
He said the price reflects the difference between fresh local and frozen imported.
“I have to sell my fish at $26 per pound,” said Anela Veriato, who owns Honaunau Poke Shop on Hawaii Island. She said frozen imported goes for $6 per pound and other retailers will buy it.
But her reviews are some of the best for delicious poke on Hawaii island.
People are willing to pay the price for the more local, better tasting fish, with the Canadian visitor saying she would be willing to spend an extra $10 to $20 more for local ahi.
“One hundred percent yes,” the visitor said.
Businesses think it will help too.
“Locals want to eat fresh and it will help, and it will help fish resources period, just knowing where our fish is coming from, and what we’re eating,” Veriato added.
Another woman said she will be checking the label to see where her fish is coming from but said fresh fish always stands out.
“It just melts in your mouth, the local fish,” she said.
Green has until July 9 to sign the bill into law.