Flower lei from Hawaii face competition from cheaper imports

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Flower garlands, especially the purple orchid lei, are synonymous with Hawaii. However, many of these lei are actually imported from Thailand, rather than made with locally grown, fragrant flowers. Some Hawaii lawmakers are proposing ideas to support the local lei producers, such as labeling requirements to identify Hawaii-made lei and prohibiting state agencies from buying imported lei. But some lei-sellers worry that these restrictions could drive up prices to the point that Hawaii residents can't afford the lei that are so important to the state's culture.

Why it matters

The lei industry is an important part of Hawaii's culture and economy, but it is facing competition from cheaper imported products. Lawmakers are trying to find ways to support the local lei producers, but there are concerns that this could make the lei unaffordable for many Hawaii residents.

The details

Many of the flower lei that adorn the necks of tourists visiting Hawaii are actually imported from Thailand, rather than made with locally grown, fragrant flowers. Some Hawaii lawmakers think the state should be doing more to help the producers of lei made with locally grown flowers. Ideas include labeling requirements that would identify Hawaii-made lei and a prohibition on state agencies buying imported ones. However, some lei-sellers worry that the restrictions could boost prices to the point that Hawaii residents can't afford the lei that are so important to the state's culture.

• The lei industry in Hawaii has faced competition from cheaper imported lei for some time.