Join Us!

Support the Request for Passage of the Hawaii Grown Cacao and Hawaii-Made Chocolate Products Rules 

Thanks to Dylan Butterbaugh (Manoa Chocolate), Dan O'Doherty (Cacao Services) and Michael Rogers (21 Degrees Estate) for representing HCCA and Hawaii cacao growers and chocolate makers at the DOA August 23rd board meeting in support of the adoption of the Hawaii Grown Cacao and Hawaiian Chocolates Administrative Rules, part of the Hawaii-grown cacao labeling initiative. For those of you that submitted testimony for the previous hearings, it would be great for you to attend or submit written testimony again. These rules are important for protecting the future of the Hawaii cacao and chocolate industry. The Board agreed to accept the proposal and send forward for final approval. From here, the rules will go to the Governor's office for signature and will then become enforceable.  

Enforcement

The burden of enforcement largely is largely borne by the Hawaii-grown chocolate industry because the DOA needs physical proof to act upon a violation and they do not have enough inspectors to constantly survey products for compliance.  Actual products that are not in compliance with the rules should be identified and sent to the DOA so that they will then investigate.  This also requires that everyone become knowledgeable of the rules and their limits. The rules can be reviewed here. Just as developing the rules was a collaborative effort, enforcement of them will also be a team effort for the Association membership and all growers and chocolate makers in Hawaii. 

 

Become an HCCA member or renew your membership

Become a member or renew your membership with the Hawaii Chocolate and Cacao Association for benefits including invitations to meetings and networking events, industry promotion, discounts, member newsletter, education material, and more. As an active member you will receive a member discount on future conference and event registrations. Your membership is an opportunity to save while continuing to support HCCA! More information available on the Members page.

Already a member and want to be more active with HCCA? Get involved and participate in one of our many committees including Education, Legislation, Membership, Marketing, Fundraising, and more to help shape the future of our industry. Send an email to info@hawaiichocolate.org and let us know what you are interested in and how you would like to help. Mahalo!

Membership

Hawaiian Grown Cacao - Hawaii Chocolate and Cacao Association

Membership Benefits:

Legislative Strength

The Hawaii Chocolate and Cacao Association acts as the industry’s voice on legislative issues. Members are active in lobbying legislators and influencing  legislation that affects the chocolate industry.

Industry Networking

Annual Conference and Educational Opportunities for Growers and Farmers
During the annual HCCA Conference a variety of current issues in farming, production, manufacture and retail are presented by guest speakers and relevant industry information is shared among members. At other times field trips and workshops provide educational opportunities for growers and manufacturers.

General Membership Meetings

Annual general membership meeting are held during the HCCA Conference each year in February. Other networking opportunities may be arrangend at events during the year.

Statewide Educational Outreach

HCCA participates in a variety of educational and promotional activities during the year including The Hawaii Chocolate Festival, Agriculture Day at the Capital, the Maui County Agriculture Festival,  The Hawaii Cacao Festival and various Farmers Markets and Culinary Festivals around the state.

Additional Benefits

The HCCA Newsletter provides quarterly communication with members providing legislative updates, spotlighting upcoming events, industry news, member profiles and other relevant information of the

HCCA Logo

A users agreement providing guidelines for use will soon be available to Members interested in using the HCCA logo for promotional purposes (i.e. on packaging, Point of Sale material, website or other commercial applications)  Displaying this symbol demonstrates commitment to the standards and policies of the HCCA and will serve to promote awareness and strengthen the brand value of the Hawaii Chocolate and Cacao Association including our members products and services .