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GM 1237

Informing the Legislature that on May 30, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB110 HD1 SD2 (ACT 137).

2025 Regular Session

Act 137 mandates Hawaii to source 30% of public school food locally by 2030, boosting local agriculture and supporting farmers while enhancing food security.

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Bill Summary · GM 1237

Summary of Bill GM 1237: Informing the Legislature of Act 137

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: GM 1237
  • Title: Informing the Legislature that on May 30, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB110 HD1 SD2 (ACT 137).
  • Status: Received
  • Introduced: May 30, 2025
  • Classification: Proclamation
  • Subject: Act 137

Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of GM 1237 is to formally notify the legislature that the Governor of Hawaii, Josh Green, M.D., has signed into law House Bill 110 (HB 110 HD1 SD2), now known as Act 137. This act focuses on enhancing local agricultural systems in Hawaii by establishing clear benchmarks for the sourcing of local food products across various state departments.

Key Provisions of Act 137

  1. Local Sourcing Goals:

    • The act mandates that by 2030, at least 30% of food served in public schools must be locally sourced.
    • It sets progressive benchmarks for local food sourcing across state departments, including:
      • 10% by January 1, 2025
      • 18% by January 1, 2030
      • 26% by January 1, 2035
      • 34% by January 1, 2040
      • 42% by January 1, 2045
      • 50% by January 1, 2050
    • The Department of Education is exempt from some of these requirements but must adhere to its own specific goal of 30% by 2030.

  2. Consistency Across Departments:

    • The act aims to standardize the local sourcing goals across various state departments to avoid confusion and ensure a cohesive approach to supporting local agriculture.

  3. Support for Local Farmers:

    • By increasing the purchase of locally grown food, the act seeks to bolster the local economy and ensure that revenue from food purchases remains within the state.

Impact

  • Who is Affected:

    • The act will primarily impact state departments involved in food procurement, including the Department of Education, Department of Health, Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and the University of Hawaii system.
    • Local farmers and agricultural producers will benefit from increased demand for locally sourced products.

  • Economic and Social Benefits:

    • The act is designed to enhance food security, support local economies, and promote sustainable agricultural practices in Hawaii.

Procedural Aspects

  • Approval Date: The bill was signed into law on May 30, 2025.
  • Legislative Process: The bill underwent readings and was certified by both the House of Representatives and the Senate before receiving the Governor's approval.

Conclusion

GM 1237 serves as a formal notification of the enactment of Act 137, which aims to strengthen Hawaii's local agricultural systems through clear sourcing goals and support for local farmers. The act represents a significant step towards enhancing food security and economic resilience in the state.

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

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