Bill > SB249

This bill clarifies and standardizes the requirements for state departments to purchase locally-sourced agricultural products, with a specific focus on the Department of Education (DOE). The legislation amends existing laws to create a more consistent approach to local food purchasing across different state agencies. For the DOE, the bill maintains the previously established goal of sourcing 30% of food locally by 2030, while other state departments (including Health, Corrections and Rehabilitation, Defense, and the University of Hawaii system) will follow a gradual increase in local food purchasing, starting at 10% by 2025 and ultimately reaching 50% by 2050. The bill recognizes the importance of supporting local agriculture as a way to improve Hawaii's economic resilience, environmental sustainability, cultural preservation, and public health. The DOE will have a separate benchmark for local food sourcing, exempting it from the general state department requirements, which helps to avoid confusion and provides a clear, predictable path for increasing local food purchases across state institutions. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2050, giving agencies ample time to prepare for and implement these increasingly ambitious local food sourcing goals.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=249&year=2026