Bill > HB967

This bill establishes a Statewide Interagency Food Systems Coordination Team and an Interagency Food Systems Working Group within the Department of Agriculture to address Hawaii's food system challenges. The working group will include representatives from various state agencies, including agriculture, business development, education, health, Hawaiian affairs, planning, and agribusiness, as well as legislative members. The group's responsibilities include developing governance protocols, coordinating with county and community food system planning, identifying resources, creating implementation plans, and measuring progress toward statewide food system goals. The bill recognizes Hawaii's ongoing efforts to improve local food production, food security, and sustainability, noting that nearly one-third of households are currently food insecure. The working group is required to submit annual reports to the Legislature and will be supported administratively by the Department of Agriculture. The bill also includes an appropriation to hire personnel and support the group's operations, with funds allocated for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to cover expenses such as stakeholder coordination, public meetings, and information management.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=967&year=2026