Bill > HCR104

This concurrent resolution urges Hawaii's Department of Education (DOE) to strengthen farm-to-school initiatives in response to the state's heavy reliance on imported food, with approximately 85-90% of food currently being imported. The resolution aims to address significant barriers to local food procurement by requesting the DOE take several specific actions: streamline procurement processes for small and medium-sized farmers, create a statewide database of local farms interested in supplying school meals, increase financial incentives for local food purchases, and ensure culturally appropriate foods like kalo, 'uala, and ulu are incorporated into school meal programs. The resolution is grounded in Act 175 from 2021, which established a goal of sourcing at least 30% of school meal ingredients locally by 2030. By supporting these initiatives, the resolution seeks to enhance food sovereignty, support local agricultural economies, reduce supply chain vulnerabilities, and promote indigenous agricultural practices. The DOE is also requested to submit a progress report to the Legislature before the 2026 Regular Session and transmit copies of the resolution to key state leadership.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HCR&billnumber=104&year=2025