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HCR 94

URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND BIOSECURITY TO JOINTLY DEVELOP A FARMER-TO-INSTITUTION COORDINATION PLAN THAT IS ALIGNED WITH THE AINA KITCHEN NETWORK ROLLOUT.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Terez Amato and 9 co-sponsors

Hawaii urges education and agriculture departments to jointly develop a farmer-to-institution food sourcing plan aligned with the AINA Kitchen Network to increase local farm procurement.

Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 554).
#departmentofagricultureandbiosecurity #departmentofeducation #farmer-to-institutioncoordinationplan
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Bill Summary · HCR 94

Legislative bill overview

HCR 94 is a Hawaii resolution urging the Department of Education and Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to create a coordinated plan connecting local farmers with institutional food buyers (schools, hospitals, etc.) as part of the AINA Kitchen Network expansion. The measure seeks to formalize collaboration between two state agencies to increase farm-to-institution food sourcing.

Why is this important

This addresses Hawaii's food security vulnerabilities by potentially reducing dependence on imported food, supporting local agricultural economies, and providing institutions with fresher, locally-sourced meals. Successful implementation could strengthen rural farming communities while improving institutional food systems across the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation feasibility: The resolution provides no funding mechanism or timeline, leaving unclear how the plan will be resourced or whether agencies have capacity to prioritize this coordination
  • AINA Kitchen Network definition: The bill references an existing network but doesn't explain its current scope, status, or whether institutions are prepared to source significantly more local products
  • Farmer capacity and logistics: Local farms may lack the scale, consistency of supply, food safety certifications, or distribution infrastructure required to reliably serve institutional buyers year-round
  • Cost implications: Institutional buyers may face higher costs for local products compared to bulk-purchased imported goods, potentially affecting school meal budgets or food quality/quantity

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

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