HR 109: urging the governor to assess food insecurity conditions and implement a statewide food security response plan.

HOUSE RESOLUTION

urging the governor to assess food insecurity conditions and implement a statewide food security response plan.

     WHEREAS, Hawaii is among the most geographically isolated jurisdictions in the nation and remains heavily dependent on imported food and fuel, leaving residents vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions, shipping constraints, price volatility, and emergency events that can rapidly affect food availability and affordability; and

     WHEREAS, Hawaii's reliance on imported food contributes to some of the highest grocery and living costs in the United States, placing disproportionate pressure on low‑ and moderate‑income households and increasing the risk that families will be unable to consistently access sufficient, nutritious food; and

     WHEREAS, addressing food insecurity requires coordinated, data‑driven action across state agencies, counties, and community partners, and an up‑to‑date, comprehensive assessment is necessary to identify gaps in access, preparedness, and resilience within Hawaii's food system; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, that the Governor is urged to assess food insecurity conditions in the State and implement a statewide food security response plan to address systemic gaps in access and local production; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, as part of the statewide food security response plan, the Governor is urged to:

     (1)  Evaluate whether conditions warrant the declaration of a food security emergency under chapter 127A, Hawaii Revised Statutes;

     (2)  Direct relevant state agencies, including the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity; Department of Human Services; Department of Health; Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; and Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, to coordinate food stabilization efforts;

     (3)  Identify short-term actions to increase food access in high-need communities; and

     (4)  Identify regulatory barriers to expanding local food production; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governor is requested to submit to the Legislature a report on the progress of implementing the statewide food security response plan, including any findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2027; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor; Chairperson of the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity; Director of Human Services; Director of Health; Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Adjutant General; and Administrator of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency.

Report Title: 

Governor; Food Insecurity; Response Plan