LIHU'E, Kaua'i — The county Office of Economic Development is promoting a new "Kaua'i Made" label to be launched early next year.

The program is meant to support the marketing of goods produced on the island.

"Although we will be accepting a wide range of products, vendors must demonstrate that their products are either made on Kaua'i or made with Kaua'i materials or both," said county economic development director Beth Tokioka.

The county administration submitted to the County Council a bill to establish the program, which is supported by the Kaua'i Agriculture Advisory Committee, the Hawai'i Tourism Authority and the county economic development agency. The marketing firm Starr Seigle Communications got a contract to create the logo and develop a marketing program. Part of the marketing effort will include a Web site and brochures in racks islandwide.

There are existing "Made in Hawai'i" and "Made in Maui" programs. One difference in the Kaua'i program is that the retailers who sell the products also will be able to join "Kaua'i Made."

Tokioka said the Kaua'i Visitors Bureau conducted a study that showed that shopping for local products is a favored activity among tourists, and that the island's 1 million visitors annually represent a significant opportunity for local producers.

"If you assume that each party spends roughly $50 on souvenirs, this translates to a $19 million-a-year industry," she said.

Artisan and studio owner Joanna Carolan, owner of Hanapepe's Banana Patch Studios, said she has backed the effort and believes it will help business.

"This program will help get the word out to both visitors and residents about the many wonderful things that are made here on Kaua'i," Carolan said.

For more information on the program, call the Economic Development Office at (808) 241-6390.

Reach Jan TenBruggencate at jant@honoluluadvertiser.com.