Legislation aimed at enhancing food stability advances to the state governor for approval
Hawaii's Food Security Freakin' Revolution
With over 90% of the food consumed in Hawaii being imported, two bills are making their way to Gov. Josh Green's desk with the mission of enhancing the state's food security.
The first bill, Senate Bill 1186, fosters collaboration among various agencies to forge a unified strategy and bolster Hawaii's food resilience.
Meanwhile, SB 693 continues funding for the Food Hub Pilot Program, aiding local farmers by streamlining food distribution and ensuring access to fresh, local produce to meet consumers' needs. The program's funding would be maintained at $1.5 million for the next two financial years according to this legislation.
Sen. Mike Gabbard, representing Leeward Oahu, is the architect behind both bills. Sen. Joy San Buenaventura of Puna gave her co-sponsorship to SB 693.
Gabbard revels in his three-year journey of conceptualizing and describing the food systems coordination team and interagency working group.
Referring to SB 1186, San Buenaventura expressed that the aim is to prevent major food deserts, particularly by using the unwanted food instead of creating food waste.
The Board of Agriculture chairman, or their designated representative, along with the director of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, or their designated counterpart, will serve as co-chairs for the interagency working group. Additional members will come from the Senate, the House, and those with relevant expertise selected by the co-chairs.
SB 1186 also allocates $100,000 from the general fund to cover the cost of operating the working group.
Gabbard indicated his gratitude for the collective effort in bringing these ideas to fruition. One of these lawmakers is Rep. Kirstin Kahaloa, a West Hawaii Democrat, who penned House Bill 967, a bill matching SB 1186 that unfortunately didn't survive the session.
Kahaloa stressed the significance of a comprehensive, interagency approach to food systems, rather than just boosting food production and trade.
Food support, land management, water management, and economic progress are interconnected, according to Sen. Tim Richards, a Waimea Democrat and vice chairman of the Committee on Agriculture and the Environment. Richards also emphasized that agriculture has long been an overlooked critical aspect of Hawaii's economy.
The initiatives put forth in these bills don't represent a cure-all, but Richards believes they represent a pivotal step towards a brighter future for Hawaii's agriculture.
The Hawaii County Research and Development Director, Benson Medina, submitted written testimony in favor of both bills. Medina stated that the developer is actively working on community-led agriculture and food system planning to provide solutions for food producers and access challenges.
Tane Datta, of Adaptations Food Hub in Kona, testified that their family's organization is dedicated to building a local food system for a sustainable economy. Datta added that as food stamps and Medicaid face interruption at the federal level, the need for a local food system will intensify.
ence of a cohesive and strategic approach to agronomy and food sustainability initiatives. The legislative initiatives address the lack of an integrated statewide strategy for food security and self-sufficiency, as well as support programs that bolster local agriculture and address food insecurity among vulnerable populations. These initiatives reflect a practical and comprehensive approach towards increasing self-reliance and food sovereignty in Hawaii's unique agricultural ecosystem.
- The hope is that the bills will enhance Hawaii's overall health and wellness by improving its food security.
- The environment plays a crucial role in these legislative initiatives, as they aim to prevent food waste and manage resources effectively.
- Politicians in Hawaii are taking steps to address food insecurity and promote local agriculture via policy and legislation.
- By fostering collaboration among various agencies, the state aims to create a unified strategy for health-and-wellness, nutrition, and fitness-and-exercise.
- The funding for the Food Hub Pilot Program will help the environment by ensuring local food distribution and reducing carbon emissions from food transportation.
- Agriculture is not just a business in Hawaii, but a key component of lifestyle, community, and general news, as it supports food-and-drink industries and the overall economy.
- Lawmakers are working diligently to create policy-and-legislation that addresses food-and-drink security and supports local food systems within the context of the environment and economic development.
- Lack of access to fresh, local produce, particularly in food deserts, poses a significant health risk for many communities in Hawaii.
- These legislative initiatives represent an encouraging step towards a sustainable food system, aligning with the broader goals of science, health, and the environment in Hawaii tourism and beyond.
