[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 218 (Tuesday, November 10, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 71726-71731]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-24143]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau

27 CFR Part 9

[Docket No. TTB-2020-0014; Notice No. 199]
RIN 1513-AC65


Proposed Establishment of the Ulupalakua Viticultural Area

AGENCY: Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, Treasury.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.

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SUMMARY: The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) proposes to 
establish the approximately 70-acre ``Ulupalakua'' viticultural area on 
the island of Maui, Hawaii. The proposed viticultural area is not 
within any other established viticultural area. TTB designates 
viticultural areas to allow vintners to better describe the origin of 
their wines and to allow consumers to better identify wines they may 
purchase. TTB invites comments on this proposed addition to its 
regulations.

[[Page 71727]]


DATES: Comments must be received by January 11, 2021.

ADDRESSES: You may electronically submit comments to TTB on this 
proposal, and view copies of this document, its supporting materials, 
and any comments TTB receives on it within Docket No. TTB-2020-0014 as 
posted on Regulations.gov (https://www.regulations.gov), the Federal e-
rulemaking portal. Please see the ``Public Participation'' section of 
this document below for full details on how to comment on this proposal 
via Regulations.gov, or U.S. mail, and for full details on how to 
obtain copies of this document, its supporting materials, and any 
comments related to this proposal.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karen A. Thornton, Regulations and 
Rulings Division, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, 1310 G 
Street NW, Box 12, Washington, DC 20005; phone 202-453-1039, ext. 175.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background on Viticultural Areas

TTB Authority

    Section 105(e) of the Federal Alcohol Administration Act (FAA Act), 
27 U.S.C. 205(e), authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe 
regulations for the labeling of wine, distilled spirits, and malt 
beverages. The FAA Act provides that these regulations should, among 
other things, prohibit consumer deception and the use of misleading 
statements on labels and ensure that labels provide the consumer with 
adequate information as to the identity and quality of the product. The 
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) administers the FAA Act 
pursuant to section 1111(d) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, 
codified at 6 U.S.C. 531(d). The Secretary has delegated the functions 
and duties in the administration and enforcement of these provisions to 
the TTB Administrator through Treasury Order 120-01, dated December 10, 
2013, (superseding Treasury Order 120-01, dated January 24, 2003).
    Part 4 of the TTB regulations (27 CFR part 4) authorizes TTB to 
establish definitive viticultural areas and regulate the use of their 
names as appellations of origin on wine labels and in wine 
advertisements. Part 9 of the TTB regulations (27 CFR part 9) sets 
forth standards for the preparation and submission of petitions for the 
establishment or modification of American viticultural areas (AVAs) and 
lists the approved AVAs.

Definition

    Section 4.25(e)(1)(i) of the TTB regulations (27 CFR 4.25(e)(1)(i)) 
defines a viticultural area for American wine as a delimited grape-
growing region having distinguishing features, as described in part 9 
of the regulations, and a name and a delineated boundary, as 
established in part 9 of the regulations. These designations allow 
vintners and consumers to attribute a given quality, reputation, or 
other characteristic of a wine made from grapes grown in an area to the 
wine's geographic origin. The establishment of AVAs allows vintners to 
describe more accurately the origin of their wines to consumers and 
helps consumers to identify wines they may purchase. Establishment of 
an AVA is neither an approval nor an endorsement by TTB of the wine 
produced in that area.

Requirements

    Section 4.25(e)(2) of the TTB regulations (27 CFR 4.25(e)(2)) 
outlines the procedure for proposing an AVA and provides that any 
interested party may petition TTB to establish a grape-growing region 
as an AVA. Section 9.12 of the TTB regulations (27 CFR 9.12) prescribes 
the standards for petitions for the establishment or modification of 
AVAs. Petitions to establish an AVA must include the following:
     Evidence that the area within the proposed AVA boundary is 
nationally or locally known by the AVA name specified in the petition;
     An explanation of the basis for defining the boundary of 
the proposed AVA;
     A narrative description of the features of the proposed 
AVA affecting viticulture, such as climate, geology, soils, physical 
features, and elevation, that make the proposed AVA distinctive and 
distinguish it from adjacent areas outside the proposed AVA;
     The appropriate United States Geological Survey (USGS) 
map(s) showing the location of the proposed AVA, with the boundary of 
the proposed AVA clearly drawn thereon; and
     A detailed narrative description of the proposed AVA 
boundary based on USGS map markings.

Ulupalakua Petition

    TTB received a petition from Mark Beaman, winemaker at Maui Wines, 
proposing the establishment of the ``Ulupalakua'' AVA. The proposed 
Ulupalakua AVA is located within the privately-owned, 18,000-acre 
Ulupalakua Ranch on the island of Maui, Hawaii. The proposed AVA 
contains approximately 70 acres, with approximately 16 acres of 
vineyards. The petition notes that an additional 5 acres of land within 
the proposed AVA have been prepared with trellising and irrigation in 
preparation for vineyard expansion. Three other parcels averaging two 
acres each have also been surveyed for future planting within the 
proposed AVA. Grape varietals grown within the proposed AVA include 
Gewurztraminer, Chenin Blanc, Viognier, Grenache, Malbec, and Syrah. 
Although there is no winery within the boundary of the proposed AVA, 
grapes from the proposed AVA are made into wine at the Maui Wines 
facility, which is a short distance south of the proposed AVA.
    According to the petition, the distinguishing features of the 
proposed Ulupalakua AVA include its topography, soils, and climate. 
Unless otherwise noted, all information and data pertaining to the 
proposed AVA contained in this document are from the petition for the 
proposed Ulupalakua AVA and its supporting exhibits.

Name Evidence

    The term ``Ulupalakua'' translates from the Hawaiian language as 
``breadfruit ripened on the back.'' The petition states that local 
folklore tells how an ancient Maui chief would request breadfruit, his 
favorite fruit, be picked on the far eastern side of Maui and brought 
to his home on the western side of the island. The harvesters would 
gather unripe fruit, which would ripen by the time they had reached the 
area that came to be called Ulupalakua.
    Although there is a town several miles south of the proposed AVA 
called Ulupalakua, the petition provided evidence that the name 
``Ulupalakua'' applies to a region larger than just the town. For 
example, the proposed Ulupalakua AVA is located on the Ulupalakua 
Ranch, which the petition states was so named in 1922 to honor the 
land's history. In 1947, after a visit to the region, Hawaiian composer 
John P. Watkins was inspired to write a song called ``Ulupalakua.'' \1\ 
A scenic overlook just north of the proposed AVA is labeled 
``Ulupalakua Scenic Overlook'' on Google Maps.\2\ A real estate website 
describes a house for sale north of both the town of Ulupalakua and the 
proposed AVA as ``a real Ulupalakua gem.'' \3\ The petition also

[[Page 71728]]

included a Maui guidebook excerpt titled ``Keokea through Ulupalakua.'' 
The excerpt states, ``[b]etween Grandma's [Coffee House] and the 
Tedeschi Winery is the larger area called Ulupalakua.'' \4\ TTB notes 
that Grandma's Coffee House is located in Keokea, north of the proposed 
AVA, and the Tedeschi Winery, now called Maui Wines, is located just 
south of the proposed AVA and north of the town of Ulupalakua. Finally, 
the wine-oriented website Wine-Searcher describes Ulupalakua as ``the 
only wine region of Hawaii'' and notes that ``Tedeschi Vineyards' Maui 
winery, part of the Ulupalakua Ranch Site, * * * makes both grape and 
pineapple wines.'' \5\
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    \1\ www.huapala.org/UL//Ulupalakua.html.
    \2\ See Figure 7 of the petition in Docket TTB-2020-0014 at 
https://www.regulations.gov.
    \3\ The property is no available on the real estate website, but 
a copy of the original real estate listing is available in Docket 
TTB-2020-0014 at https://www.regulations.gov.
    \4\ http://mauiguidebook.com/adventures/grandmas-ulupalakua.
    \5\ www.wine-searcher.com/regions-ulupalakua.
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Boundary Evidence

    The proposed Ulupalakua AVA is located on the southwestern slopes 
of Mt. Haleakala and encompasses a series of bench lands that are fully 
surrounded by steeper, more rugged terrain. The proposed northern and 
southern boundaries approximate ravines, which mark the northern and 
southern edges of the bench lands. The proposed eastern boundary is 
marked by a highway, beyond which the elevation rises steeply. The 
western boundary follows an elevation contour, beyond which slope 
angles and the number of drainage and erosional features increase.

Distinguishing Features

    The distinguishing features of the proposed Ulupalakua AVA are its 
topography, soils, and climate.
Topography
    The proposed Ulupalakua AVA contains a series of four distinct 
benches that are oriented to the southwest. The benches are gently 
sloped, with slope angles between 0 and 5 percent, and are separated by 
more steeply sloped erosional ravines. The petition states that the 
gentle slopes of the benches minimize the risk of erosion and 
facilitate safe agriculture. The open, less steep terrain also allows 
vineyards planted on the benches to receive uniform amounts of 
sunlight, rainfall, and temperature-moderating cloud cover.
    The proposed AVA is surrounded in each direction by more steeply 
sloped, mountainous terrain. To the west and east of the proposed AVA, 
the slope angles average 17 percent. To the north and south of the 
proposed AVA, slope angles average about 15 percent. The regions to the 
north and west also contain more erosional features, such as ravines, 
that are less suited for viticulture than the benches of the proposed 
AVA. The region to the south of the proposed AVA features another 
ravine comprised of rugged exposed volcanic rocks, which are not well-
suited for viticulture.
Soils
    According to the petition, soils within the proposed Ulupalakua AVA 
formed from the erosion of ancient alkali lava flows from Mt. 
Haleakala. The most prominent soil within the proposed AVA is Kula 
loam, which makes up 80 percent of the soil. Kula loam is derived from 
weathered basic igneous rock and is well-drained and moderately rapid 
in permeability. The top soil is typically 8 inches deep, with subsoils 
reaching around 4 feet before hitting bedrock of andesite and basalt. 
The remaining 20 percent of the soil of the proposed AVA is comprised 
of the Io series. Soils of this series are silt loams that gradually 
acquire more clay deeper in the soil. The top soil is about 10 inches, 
and subsoils reach basalt and andesite bedrock at around 4 feet. The 
petition states that the soils of the proposed AVA are fertile enough 
to produce healthy vines and fruit without promoting excessive vine and 
leaf growth. Additionally, the uniformity of the soils within the 
proposed AVA results in a greater consistency in growing conditions for 
vineyards than can be found in the surrounding regions.
    To the south of the proposed Ulupalakua AVA, the soil changes to 
Kula very rocky loam. This soil consist of very large volcanic rocks 
and boulders which would not be suitable for vineyards. To the west is 
a continuation of the same Kula loam that is found in the proposed AVA. 
However, the petition notes that the top soil in this region has been 
scoured by erosion and thus would be thinner and not as suitable for 
viticulture as the Kula loam soils of the proposed AVA. The petition 
did not provide information on the soils to the north and east of the 
proposed AVA.
Climate
    The petition states that although most people would consider Hawaii 
to be hot, the proposed Ulupalakua AVA is cool due to its elevation and 
proximity to the 10,000-foot Mt. Haleakala. The proposed AVA sits at 
elevations between 1,560 and 1,850 feet above sea level. The petition 
states that temperatures in Maui typically drop 3.5 degrees Fahrenheit 
for every 1,000 feet of elevation gained.\6\ A 2003 article about Maui 
Wines notes that ``[m]ornings and late afternoons tend to be cool at 
these elevations * * *.'' \7\ The petition notes that the mild 
temperatures of the region are even described in John Watkin's song 
``Ulupalakua'', which contains the line, ``[f]amous is Ulupalakua, the 
pangs of cold evening air * * *.'' \8\
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    \6\ https://treelinebackpacker.com/2013/05/06/calculate-temperatures-change-with-elevation.
    \7\ http://napavalleyregister.com/business/maui-winemakers-make-a-splash-with-pineapple-wines-and-island/article_48281276-094c-5fec-80d9-18be5666b9cf.html.
    \8\ www.huapala.org/UL//Ulupalakua.html.
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    The petition provided information on the average monthly high and 
low temperatures, as well as the monthly highest and lowest recorded 
temperatures for the proposed AVA and the region to the north.\9\ 
Temperature data was not provided for the regions to the east, west, or 
south. The information is summarized in the following tables.
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    \9\ The information was collected from the almanac on The 
Weather Channel's website, which did not provide the period of 
record for the data. For Ulupalakua data, see https://weather.com/weather/monthly/l/'Ulupalakua+USHI0343:27:US. For Keokea data, see 
https://weather.com/weather/monthly/l/USHI0220:1:US.

                  Table 1--Average Monthly High and Low Temperatures in Degrees Fahrenheit (F)
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                                                      Proposed Ulupalakua AVA             Keokea (North)
                      Month                      ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       High             Low            High             Low
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January.........................................              81              63              68              52
February........................................              81              63              68              52
March...........................................              82              63              69              52
April...........................................              83              64              70              53
May.............................................              85              66              71              55

[[Page 71729]]

 
June............................................              87              67              73              56
July............................................              87              68              74              57
August..........................................              88              69              75              58
September.......................................              87              69              75              58
October.........................................              87              68              74              57
November........................................              84              67              72              56
December........................................              82              65              69              53
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                    Table 2--Maximum Monthly High and Low Recorded Temperatures in Degrees F
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                                                      Proposed Ulupalakua AVA             Keokea (North)
                      Month                      ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       High             Low            High             Low
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January.........................................              91              54              84              38
February........................................              91              54              81              41
March...........................................              89              54              82              41
April...........................................              89              58              77              37
May.............................................              90              54              78              48
June............................................              91              62              81              50
July............................................              93              62              80              50
August..........................................              94              62              82              51
September.......................................              94              61              81              49
October.........................................              92              61              83              48
November........................................              90              56              81              47
December........................................              89              57              80              41
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    The data shows that the proposed Ulupalakua AVA has generally mild 
temperatures, with a 20 degree or less difference between the average 
high and average low temperatures for any given month. The average 
monthly low temperatures and lowest recorded monthly temperatures 
within the proposed AVA do not drop below 50 degrees F, which is 
generally considered to be the minimum temperature required for vine 
growth and fruit development.\10\ By contrast, Keokea, which is located 
to the north of the proposed AVA and at higher elevations, recorded 
substantially lower temperatures than the proposed AVA for each 
category, including temperatures below 50 degrees F. According to the 
petition, the lack of extremes in temperatures within the proposed AVA 
protect ripening fruit against sunburn and heat stress.
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    \10\ See Albert J. Winkler et al., General Viticulture 
(Berkeley: University of California Press, 2nd ed. 1974), pages 61-
64.
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    The petition also included information on the average monthly 
precipitation amounts for the proposed Ulupalakua AVA and the regions 
to the east and west. Precipitation amounts were not provided for the 
regions to the south and north. The information is summarized in the 
following table.
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    \11\ The information came from www.weatherbase.com. The website 
noted that the Makena Bay data covered a period of 30 years, the 
Polipoli Springs data covered a period of 47 years, and the 
Ulupalakua data covered a period of 56 years. However, the exact 
years for each location was not given.

                              Table 3--Average Precipitation Amounts in Inches \11\
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                                                                     Proposed       Makena Bay       Polipoli
                              Month                               Ulupalakua AVA      (West)      Springs (East)
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January.........................................................             4.9             2.8             9.8
February........................................................               3             1.4             7.5
March...........................................................             3.1             1.6             4.8
April...........................................................             2.5             0.7             4.7
May.............................................................             1.8             0.9             3.1
June............................................................             1.4             0.4             1.6
July............................................................             1.8             0.6             2.4
August..........................................................             1.7             0.6             2.6
September.......................................................             2.3             0.9             2.5
October.........................................................             2.2             1.6             2.9
November........................................................             2.6             1.7             3.2
December........................................................             3.4             2.9             5.6
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
    Annual......................................................            30.7            16.1            50.6
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[[Page 71730]]

    The data in the table shows that the proposed Ulupalakua AVA 
receives substantially more precipitation than the region to the west 
and less than the region to the east. The petition notes that the 
differences in rainfall are due to the orographic effects of Mt. 
Haleakala. As the moist air moves from east to west over the mountain, 
locations at higher elevations, such as Polipoli Springs, receive more 
rainfall than regions at lower elevations, such as Makena Bay on the 
coast. Ulupalakua, which is located at elevations higher than Makena 
Bay and lower than Polipoli Springs, receives almost twice as much 
annual rainfall as the lower location and over half as much as the 
higher location. The petition states that the lower rainfall amounts 
within the proposed AVA, particularly during the harvest season of June 
through August, reduce the risk of mildew and rot.

Summary of Distinguishing Features

    In summary, the topography, soils, and climate of the proposed 
Ulupalakua AVA distinguish it from the surrounding regions. The 
proposed Ulupalakua AVA is characterized by a series of four gently 
sloped benches comprised of Kula loam and Io soils. Average 
temperatures are moderate and do not drop below 50 degrees F. Annual 
precipitation amounts within the proposed AVA are moderate, averaging 
30.7 inches.
    To the north of the proposed AVA, the slopes are steeper and 
average about 15 percent. Average temperatures are cooler than within 
the proposed AVA and do drop below 50 degrees F. To the east of the 
proposed AVA, on the higher elevations of Mt. Haleakala, the slope 
angles average 17 percent. Annual precipitation amounts are 
significantly higher, averaging 50.6 inches. To the south of the 
proposed AVA, slope angles average about 15 percent, and the soil 
changes to Kula very rocky loam, which consists of large volcanic rocks 
and boulders. To the west of the proposed AVA, slope angles average 17 
percent. Soils to the west of the proposed AVA are a continuation of 
the Kula loam soils, but much of the top soil has been scoured by 
erosion. Annual rainfall amounts are lower than within the proposed 
AVA, averaging 16.1 inches.

TTB Determination

    TTB concludes that the petition to establish the 70-acre Ulupalakua 
AVA merits consideration and public comment, as invited in this notice 
of proposed rulemaking.

Boundary Description

    See the narrative description of the boundary of the petitioned-for 
AVA in the proposed regulatory text published at the end of this 
proposed rule.

Maps

    The petitioner provided the required maps, and they are listed 
below in the proposed regulatory text. You may also view the proposed 
Ulupalakua AVA boundary on the AVA Map Explorer on the TTB website, at 
https://www.ttb.gov/wine/ava-map-explorer.

Impact on Current Wine Labels

    Part 4 of the TTB regulations prohibits any label reference on a 
wine that indicates or implies an origin other than the wine's true 
place of origin. For a wine to be labeled with an AVA name, at least 85 
percent of the wine must be derived from grapes grown within the area 
represented by that name, and the wine must meet the other conditions 
listed in Sec.  4.25(e)(3) of the TTB regulations (27 CFR 4.25(e)(3)). 
If the wine is not eligible for labeling with an AVA name and that name 
appears in the brand name, then the label is not in compliance and the 
bottler must change the brand name and obtain approval of a new label. 
Similarly, if the AVA name appears in another reference on the label in 
a misleading manner, the bottler would have to obtain approval of a new 
label. Different rules apply if a wine has a brand name containing an 
AVA name that was used as a brand name on a label approved before July 
7, 1986. See Sec.  4.39(i)(2) of the TTB regulations (27 CFR 
4.39(i)(2)) for details.
    If TTB establishes this proposed AVA, its name, ``Ulupalakua,'' 
will be recognized as a name of viticultural significance under Sec.  
4.39(i)(3) of the TTB regulations (27 CFR 4.39(i)(3)). The text of the 
proposed regulation clarifies this point. Consequently, wine bottlers 
using the name ``Ulupalakua'' in a brand name, including a trademark, 
or in another label reference as to the origin of the wine, would have 
to ensure that the product is eligible to use the AVA name as an 
appellation of origin if this proposed rule is adopted as a final rule.

Public Participation

Comments Invited

    TTB invites comments from interested members of the public on 
whether it should establish the proposed Ulupalakua AVA. TTB is also 
interested in receiving comments on the sufficiency and accuracy of the 
name, boundary, soils, climate, topography, and other required 
information submitted in support of the petition. Please provide any 
available specific information in support of your comments.
    Because of the potential impact of the establishment of the 
proposed Ulupalakua AVA on wine labels that include the term 
``Ulupalakua'' as discussed above under Impact on Current Wine Labels, 
TTB is particularly interested in comments regarding whether there will 
be a conflict between the proposed AVA name and currently used brand 
names. If a commenter believes that a conflict will arise, the comment 
should describe the nature of that conflict, including any anticipated 
negative economic impact that approval of the proposed AVA will have on 
an existing viticultural enterprise. TTB is also interested in 
receiving suggestions for ways to avoid conflicts, for example, by 
adopting a modified or different name for the proposed AVA.

Submitting Comments

    You may submit comments on this notice by using one of the 
following two methods:
     Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: You may send comments via the 
online comment form posted with this notice within Docket No. TTB-2020-
0014 on ``Regulations.gov,'' the Federal e-rulemaking portal, at 
https://www.regulations.gov. A direct link to that docket is available 
under Notice No. 199 on the TTB website at https://www.ttb.gov/wine/wine_rulemaking.shtml">https://www.ttb.gov/wine/wine_rulemaking.shtml. Supplemental files may be attached to comments 
submitted via Regulations.gov. For complete instructions on how to use 
Regulations.gov, visit the site and click on the ``Help'' tab at the 
top of the page.
     U.S. Mail: You may send comments via postal mail to the 
Director, Regulations and Rulings Division, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and 
Trade Bureau, 1310 G Street NW, Box 12, Washington, DC 20005.
    Please submit your comments by the closing date shown above in this 
notice. Your comments must reference Notice No. 199 and include your 
name and mailing address. Your comments also must be made in English, 
be legible, and be written in language acceptable for public 
disclosure. TTB does not acknowledge receipt of comments, and TTB 
considers all comments as originals.
    In your comment, please clearly state if you are commenting for 
yourself or on behalf of an association, business, or other entity. If 
you are commenting on behalf of an entity, your comment must include 
the entity's name, as well as your name and position title. If you

[[Page 71731]]

comment via Regulations.gov, please enter the entity's name in the 
``Organization'' blank of the online comment form. If you comment via 
postal mail or hand delivery/courier, please submit your entity's 
comment on letterhead. You may also write to the Administrator before 
the comment closing date to ask for a public hearing. The Administrator 
reserves the right to determine whether to hold a public hearing.

Confidentiality

    All submitted comments and attachments are part of the public 
record and subject to disclosure. Do not enclose any material in your 
comments that you consider to be confidential or inappropriate for 
public disclosure.

Public Disclosure

    TTB will post, and you may view, copies of this notice, selected 
supporting materials, and any online or mailed comments received about 
this proposal within Docket No. TTB-2020-0014 on the Federal e-
rulemaking portal, Regulations.gov, at https://www.regulations.gov. A 
direct link to that docket is available on the TTB website at https://www.ttb.gov/wine/wine_rulemaking.shtml under Notice No. 199. You may 
also reach the relevant docket through the Regulations.gov search page 
at https://www.regulations.gov. For information on how to use 
Regulations.gov, click on the site's ``Help'' tab.
    All posted comments will display the commenter's name, organization 
(if any), city, and State, and, in the case of mailed comments, all 
address information, including email addresses. TTB may omit voluminous 
attachments or material that the Bureau considers unsuitable for 
posting.
    You may also obtain copies of this proposed rule, all related 
petitions, maps and other supporting materials, and any electronic or 
mailed comments that TTB receives about this proposal at 20 cents per 
8.5- x 11-inch page. Please note that TTB is unable to provide copies 
of USGS maps or any similarly-sized documents that may be included as 
part of the AVA petition. Contact TTB's Regulations and Rulings 
Division by email using the web form at https://www.ttb.gov/contact-rrd, or by telephone at 202-453-1039, ext. 175, to request copies of 
comments or other materials.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    TTB certifies that this proposed regulation, if adopted, would not 
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities. The proposed regulation imposes no new reporting, 
recordkeeping, or other administrative requirement. Any benefit derived 
from the use of a viticultural area name would be the result of a 
proprietor's efforts and consumer acceptance of wines from that area. 
Therefore, no regulatory flexibility analysis is required.

Executive Order 12866

    It has been determined that this proposed rule is not a significant 
regulatory action as defined by Executive Order 12866 of September 30, 
1993. Therefore, no regulatory assessment is required.

Drafting Information

    Karen A. Thornton of the Regulations and Rulings Division drafted 
this notice of proposed rulemaking.

List of Subjects in 27 CFR Part 9

    Wine.

Proposed Regulatory Amendment

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, TTB proposes to amend 
title 27, chapter I, part 9, Code of Federal Regulations, as follows:

PART 9--AMERICAN VITICULTURAL AREAS

0
1. The authority citation for part 9 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 27 U.S.C. 205.

Subpart C--Approved American Viticultural Areas

0
2. Subpart C is amended by adding Sec.  9.__ to read as follows:


Sec.  9.__  Ulupalakua.

    (a) Name. The name of the viticultural area described in this 
section is ``Ulupalakua''. For purposes of part 4 of this chapter, 
``Ulupalakua'' is a term of viticultural significance.
    (b) Approved maps. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) 
1:24,000 scale topographic map used to determine the boundary of the 
Ulupalakua viticultural area is titled ``Makena, Hawaii, 1983.''
    (c) Boundary. The Ulupalakua viticultural area is located on the 
island of Maui, in Hawaii. The boundary of the Ulupalakua viticultural 
area is as described below:
    (1) The beginning point is on the Makena, Hawaii, map at the 
intersection of an unnamed, light-duty road known locally as State 
Highway 37 and the northernmost unnamed, unimproved road in the Palauea 
land division (a land division is known as an ``ahupua'a'' in Hawaii). 
From the beginning point, proceed south along State Highway 37 to the 
next unnamed, unimproved road in the Palauea land division; then
    (2) Proceed west in a straight line for approximately 2,700 feet to 
the 1,560-foot elevation contour; then
    (3) Proceed north along the 1,560-foot elevation contour to the 
northern boundary of the Palauea land division; then
    (4) Proceed east along the northern boundary of the Palauea land 
division to the 1,800-foot elevation contour; then
    (5) Proceed south along the 1,800-foot elevation contour for 
approximately 400 feet to the point where the 1,800-foot elevation 
contour intersects with an imaginary line drawn from the terminus of 
the northernmost unnamed, unimproved road in the Palauea land division; 
then
    (6) Proceed east in a straight line for approximately 800 feet, 
returning to the beginning point.

    Signed: August 14, 2020.
Mary G. Ryan,
Administrator.
    Approved: October 9, 2020.
Timothy E. Skud,
Deputy Assistant Secretary (Tax, Trade, and Tariff Policy).
[FR Doc. 2020-24143 Filed 11-9-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4810-31-P