THE SENATE	S.R. NO.	58
THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2020
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE RESOLUTION

urging state departments to procure locally-grown produce.

WHEREAS, Hawaii's mild climate supports a wide variety of agriculture, including avocados, bananas, guava, papayas, tomatoes, corn, lettuce, potatoes, taro, and other produce; and

WHEREAS, the State hosts approximately three thousand six hundred crop farms; and

WHEREAS, reliance on imported food leaves the State vulnerable to natural disasters and other catastrophic events; and

WHEREAS, buying local produce lessens the State's carbon footprint by reducing the need to transport food long distances; and

WHEREAS, buying local produce benefits the State's economy and supports small businesses, including family- and veteran-owned farms; and

WHEREAS, doing business with local farmers creates more transparency and accountability in the State's food system; now therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirtieth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2020, that all state departments, when procuring produce, are urged to buy Hawaii products when available; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor; Comptroller; Chair of the Board of Agriculture; Attorney General; Director of Finance; Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs; Adjutant General; Chair of the Board of Education; Chair of the Hawaiian Homes Commission; Director of Health; Director of Human Services; Director of Labor and Industrial Relations; Chair of the Board of Land and Natural Resources; Director of Public Safety; Director of Taxation; and Director of Transportation.

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title:

Procurement. Hawaii Products.