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KPAC attended hearings on SCR 204 urging the establishment of a “Native Hawaiian” aka Kanaka Maoli intellectural property task force to develop a plan to recognize and protect Kanaka Maoli indigenous cultural intellectual property, traditional cultural expressions, and genetic resources. This resolution came as a response to a Chicago based company called “Aloha Poke” claiming to own the word ‘Poke’ and ‘Aloha’, an indigenous Hawaiian word which represents a pillar value in Hawaiian culture. This corporation was sending cease and desist letters to poke companies using the word ‘Aloha’ and ‘Poke’ in their names. SCR 204 passed after nearly a thousand testimonies were sent to the Legislature in support.

CLICK HERE to read the Associated Press news about the legislation published on April 18, 2019.

CLICK HERE to sign the “No Aloha Poke Bowl” petition and join 174,000 who have signed this petition.