Hawaii Flower Leis Face Competition from Cheaper Imports

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Flower garlands known as lei are synonymous with Hawaii, but many of the purple orchid leis adorning tourists' necks are actually imported from Thailand. Some Hawaii lawmakers are considering new measures to support local lei producers, including labeling requirements to identify Hawaii-made leis and prohibiting state agencies from buying imported leis. However, some lei sellers worry that such restrictions could drive up prices and make leis unaffordable for Hawaii residents.

Why it matters

Leis are an integral part of Hawaii's culture and tradition, but the rise of cheaper imported leis threatens the local lei-making industry. Lawmakers are looking to protect this local business and cultural practice, though there are concerns about the potential impact on affordability for residents.

The details

Many of the fragrant flower leis worn by tourists in Hawaii are actually imported from Thailand, where production costs are lower. Some Hawaii lawmakers want to help support the local lei-making industry by requiring labels to identify Hawaii-made leis and prohibiting state agencies from purchasing imported leis. However, lei sellers worry that such restrictions could drive up prices, making leis unaffordable for Hawaii residents who rely on them for cultural events and celebrations.

• The issue of imported leis competing with locally-made leis in Hawaii has been ongoing for several years.

What’s next

Hawaii lawmakers are expected to continue debating proposals to support the local lei-making industry, including potential labeling requirements and restrictions on state purchases of imported leis.