A Historic Milestone for ʻŌkolehao, Act 170 Passes Into Law

Aloha e Ola ʻOhana,

HUGE NEWS to share today! And we are excited to share this major milestone for both Ola Distillery and the future of Hawaii-made spirits.

Governor Josh Green has officially signed Act 170 (2026) into law, establishing legal protections for authentic ʻŌkolehao, the Spirit of Hawai’i, through new statewide labeling requirements. The legislation helps ensure that only spirits meeting Hawaii's statutory standards may be marketed using the name "ʻŌkolehao," protecting both consumers and the integrity of this uniquely Hawaiian spirit.

For us, this is far more than a regulatory update.

When we began this journey, our vision wasn't simply to build another distillery, it was to help revive one of Hawaiʻi's oldest distilled spirits while creating a modern agricultural industry rooted in an art form established in Hawai'i during the 1800s.

Authenticity matters.

Just as Tequila, Kentucky Bourbon, and Champagne have developed strong identities through protected standards, this legislation represents an important step toward ensuring that ʻŌkolehao maintains its cultural and geographic identity for generations to come.

For our company, Act 170 provides several meaningful benefits:

• It helps protect the authenticity of Hawaii-made ʻŌkolehao.
• It supports long-term consumer confidence in the category.
• It creates a stronger foundation for Hawaii-grown agricultural products.
• It reinforces the premium positioning of authentic ʻŌkolehao as awareness continues to grow.

This legislation reflects meaningful collaboration among lawmakers, cultural practitioners, industry advocates, and community supporters who recognize the importance of preserving Hawaiʻi's oldest distilled spirit.

As we continue expanding production, welcoming guests to our Hilo distillery, and introducing more people to the story of ʻŌkolehao, we're proud to be helping shape what we know is the beginning of a new chapter for this heritage Spirit of Hawaii.

Mahalo to everyone who has supported our mission. We're honored to be part of reviving ʻŌkolehao here in Hawaiʻi, and sharing it with the world.

Me  ka ha’aha’a,

Naehalani Breeland and Brett Jacobson
Co-Founders of Ola Brew