WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

GM 1285

Informing the Legislature that on June 6, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB693 SD1 HD1 CD1 (ACT 185).

2025 Regular Session

Continues Hawaii's Food Hub Pilot Program with $1.5M/year for 2025-27, funding grants via the Department of Agriculture to expand local hubs and boost access to fresh, local foods.

Received.
#act185
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · GM 1285

Summary: Act 185 (SB693 CD1) – Food Hub Pilot Program Funding Continuation

Overview

Act 185, signed into law on June 6, 2025, continues and funds Hawaii’s Food Hub Pilot Program. The program supports locally produced food through centralized facilities that coordinate aggregation, storage, processing, distribution, and marketing. Its aim is to improve local food production, expand access to local foods in institutions and retail, and reach consumers in underserved areas and food deserts. The measure builds on Act 313 (2022), which established a five-year pilot, by providing additional state funding to sustain and grow pilot activities.

Purpose and Intent

  • Strengthen food security by increasing local food production and access.
  • Support food hubs as coordinated platforms along the value chain to help small- to mid-sized producers reach broader markets.
  • Improve access to fresh, healthy food for all residents, especially in underserved communities.

Key Provisions

  • Appropriation of funds to continue the Food Hub Pilot Program established by Act 313, 2022.
  • The program will award grant moneys to qualifying food hubs to establish and expand operations to meet local demand.
  • The act clarifies administration and purpose through the Department of Agriculture.

Financial Provisions and Implementation

  • General Revenue appropriation: $1,500,000 for fiscal year 2025-2026.
  • And the same amount, $1,500,000, for fiscal year 2026-2027.
  • Purpose of the funds: continued implementation of the food hub pilot program, including grant awards to eligible food hubs.
  • Administration: Funds to be expended by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (DOA).

Effective Date and Coverage

  • Effective date: July 1, 2025.
  • The funding supports the ongoing pilot program originally authorized under Act 313 (2022) and expands the program’s capacity through grants and operations.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Primary beneficiaries: Food hubs that coordinate locally produced food; small- to mid-sized producers who rely on hub services; and institutions/retailers purchasing local products.
  • Broader impact: Increased access to fresh, locally produced foods for Hawaii residents, including those in underserved areas and food deserts.

Background and Context

  • Act 313 (2022) established a five-year state pilot program to assist food hubs with financing to launch or expand operations.
  • Act 185 provides continued funding to ensure the pilot can be sustained and expanded to meet local demand.

Legislative History (highlights)

  • SB693 SD1 HD1 CD1: The bill as enacted, codified as Act 185.
  • Final approval in both chambers on April 30, 2025.
  • Governor’s signature and enactment completed by June 6, 2025.

If you’d like, I can add a brief table or timeline comparing Act 313 (2022) with Act 185 to show the progression of funding and program scope.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.