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SCR 41

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND BIOSECURITY TO COLLABORATE WITH STATE AND COUNTY AGENCIES AND COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS TO DEVELOP A COMPREHENSIVE STATEWIDE FOOD SECURITY STRATEGY.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Gabbard and 4 co-sponsors

Hawaii requests state/county agencies collaborate with nonprofits to develop a comprehensive food security strategy addressing the state's isolated island food access challenges.

Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 863).
#comprehensivestatewidefoodsecuritystrategy #foodinsecurity #foodproduction
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Bill Summary · SCR 41

Legislative bill overview

SCR 41 is a concurrent resolution requesting state and county agencies in Hawaii to collaborate with community organizations to develop a comprehensive statewide food security strategy. This is a non-binding request rather than legislation that creates law, directing agencies to plan and coordinate efforts addressing food access and security across the state.

Why is this important

Hawaii faces unique food security challenges due to geographic isolation, high cost of living, and heavy reliance on imports—factors that make roughly 1 in 8 residents food-insecure. A coordinated statewide strategy could improve efficiency in existing programs, identify gaps in coverage, and establish shared goals among fragmented agencies and nonprofits working on food access independently.

Potential points of contention

  • Resource allocation: The resolution requests agency coordination without appropriating funds, raising questions about whether existing budgets can absorb planning work or whether adequate resources will actually follow recommendations
  • Implementation mechanisms: As a non-binding request, there's no enforcement mechanism if agencies deprioritize the work or delay strategy development
  • Scope definition: "Comprehensive statewide" is vague—unclear whether strategy will address root causes (affordability, wages, agriculture development) or primarily focus on distribution and assistance programs

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

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