STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1642-22

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2022

RE: H.C.R. No. 25

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 25 entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION'S SCHOOL FOOD SERVICES BRANCH TO ADOPT AN ADDENDUM TO ITS AGREEMENTS FOR ‘AINA PONO REQUIRING THE PROCUREMENT OF GOODS, SERVICES, OR BOTH FROM FOOD HUBS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to urge the Department of Education's School Food Services Branch to adopt an addendum to its agreements for ‘Āina Pono requiring the procurement of goods, services, or both from food hubs.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from Hawai‘i SEED, Hawai‘i Alliance for Progressive Action, Hawai‘i Farm to School Hui, and seven individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Agriculture and Department of Education.

Your Committee finds that the State has a vested interest in supporting the proliferation of local food sources in order to increase Hawai‘i's self-reliance, as evidenced by the passing of Act 55, Session Laws of Hawai‘i 2013, which encourages the purchase and use of Hawai‘i-grown food and food products. In alignment with this goal, food hubs are a means of supporting local farmers, especially small- and mid-sized farming operations. Your Committee further finds that the ‘Āina Pono program is a farm-to-school initiative that supports local food systems while promoting healthy behaviors and better outcomes for students. Fostering a connection between this program and existing food hubs will support Hawaii's rural communities while expanding students' access to fresh, locally grown food.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1)  Amending its title in accordance with its amended purpose; and

     (2)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 25, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Education in the form attached hereto as H.C.R. No. 25, H.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture,

____________________________

MARK J. HASHEM, Chair