KAILUA-KONA >> The Kona Coffee Farmers Association continues to fight a bill that would eliminate mandatory coffee inspections and grading.

Fearing the bill will pass, the association presented the governor with a petition with more than 300 signatures opposing the bill.

The association is concerned the proposed changes will degrade the reputation of world-famous Kona coffee. Coffee processors support the measure, as does the state Department of Agriculture.

Hawaii Coffee Co. President Jim Wayman told West Hawaii Today the association’s opposition is “self-serving” by requiring processors and farms that transport green coffee beans to wait for a state inspector.