Bill > SB1189

This bill aims to strengthen Hawaii's local agricultural sector by modifying existing requirements for state departments and the University of Hawaii System to purchase locally grown food. The bill increases the percentage of local agricultural products these entities must purchase over time, with benchmarks rising from 10% in 2025 to 50% by 2050. Specifically, the bill expands annual reporting requirements to include total spending across different market channels, such as directly from farmers, food hubs, and distributors. It also requires departments to include a corrective action plan in their legislative reports if they fail to meet their local food purchasing goals. The bill repeals the separate benchmark for the Department of Education that previously required 30% locally sourced food in public schools by 2030, instead integrating it into the broader, standardized requirements for all state departments. Additionally, the bill appropriates funds to establish a full-time farm-to-state liaison position within the Governor's Office to help facilitate reporting and locally grown food procurement. The legislation is motivated by a desire to support local agriculture, improve economic resilience, and ensure that revenue from local produce remains within the state.

Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1189&year=2026