Opposition of SB 2170 that would prohibit the sale and distribution of foie gras produced using the method of force feeding.

February 2, 2010

Testimony in Opposition to SB 2170 – WTL – 2/3/10, 3:00 p.m., Rm. 229
Chair Hee, Vice Chair Tokuda, and Members of the Committee:
The Hawaii Restaurant Association (HRA) respectfully opposes SB 2170 that seeks to prohibit the sale and distribution of foie gras produced using the method of force feeding.

First, the HRA has found flaws in the premise that foie gras production necessarily entails cruelty to animals.  Most farms that produce foie gras, a largely high-end product, are artisan farms that go to great lengths to minimize distress to their birds in the feeding process.  Many farms have condemned the inhumane treatment of animals.

The livers of geese and ducks naturally enlarge to store fat, which keeps them alive, in preparation for long flights as they migrate.  The ability of these animals to store excess fat in their livers is naturally occurring for these migrating waterfowl.  Careful, gentle handling of geese and ducks is absolutely essential.  These waterfowl simply do not support mistreatment or they die.  In proper foie gras farms, mortality rates are about 1 percent, the same as in nature.

Second, this bill does not involve the health and safety of citizens consuming foie gras.  Instead, proponents of this bill cite animal cruelty as the rationale.  Ironically, our society slaughters pigs, chickens, cows, and other animals on a regular basis for food without hesitation.  Foie gras poses no inherent danger to consumers.  As such, the public should retain the right whether to eat or support this product.

Finally, the restaurant association has had to bear increasing regulation notwithstanding a very weak economy.  Unemployment tax increases, new gift card rules, increased taxes on sugar drinks and alcohol, bans trans-fats, requiring recyclable bags, and other measures while well-intentioned increases the cost of doing business.  In this difficult economy, consumers have already started to eat out less.  This additional burden at this inopportune time would further exacerbate the economic challenges the restaurant industry currently faces.  With over 3,500 locations directly employing over 82,000 dedicated people, restaurants form a cornerstone of Hawaii’s economy that must be kept viable.

In summary, the HRA reiterates its opposition to SB 2170.

Very truly yours,

The Hawaii Restaurant Association

By:  Bryan P. Andaya