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HCR 104

URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO STRENGTHEN FARM-TO-SCHOOL INITIATIVES.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Terez Amato and 7 co-sponsors

HCR 104 urges Hawaii DOE to boost local farm-to-school purchases (aim 30% by 2030), streamline contracting, expand incentives, and build a local farms database with native crops.

Referred to EDU.
#departmentofeducation #farm-to-schoolinitiatives
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Bill Summary · HCR 104

HCR 104 – Summary

Overview

HCR 104 is a concurrent resolution urging the Hawaii Department of Education (DOE) to strengthen farm-to-school initiatives. Introduced March 11, 2025, the measure is currently referred to the Committee on Education (EDU) after passing through related committees. It is a non-binding resolution that seeks administrative action and future legislative consideration.

Purpose and Intent

  • To address Hawaii’s heavy reliance on imported food (historically about 85–90%) by expanding local farm-to-school procurement.
  • To support local agriculture, strengthen food resilience, and advance Hawaii’s agricultural economy.
  • To align with Act 175, Session Laws of Hawaii 2021, which set a goal of sourcing at least 30% of school meal ingredients locally by 2030.
  • To prioritize locally grown Native Hawaiian crops (kalo, ʻuala, ulu) as part of food sovereignty, climate resilience, and traditional practices.

Key Provisions (Requests to the DOE)

  1. Streamline Procurement: Make it easier for small- and medium-scale farmers to sell to schools by simplifying contracting requirements and increasing sourcing policy flexibility.
  2. ** statewide Local Farms Database**: Develop a database of eligible and interested local farms to facilitate connections with school meal programs.
  3. Increase Financial Incentives: Expand funding mechanisms (grants, subsidies, or dedicated budget allocations) to encourage schools to purchase locally sourced food.
  4. Culturally Appropriate Foods: Ensure that school meals include culturally appropriate items such as kalo, ʻuala, and ulu.

Reporting and Timeline

  • DOE is to report progress, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than 20 days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2026.

Affected Parties

  • Primary: Hawaii Department of Education, Hawaii’s local farmers (especially small/medium enterprises), and school meal programs.
  • Secondary: Native Hawaiian communities and broader Hawaii food-system stakeholders.

Legislative History and Status

  • Status: Referred to EDU (after initial referrals and committee work in EDN and AGR).
  • Sponsored by a slate of primary legislators including AMATO, KEOHOKAPU-LEE LOY, MATSUMOTO, SHIMIZU, WARD, KAHALOA, POEPOE, and PERRUSO.
  • Related companion measures: SCR 30 (Senate) and HR 100 (House).

Related Context

  • Act 175 (2021) set a local-sourcing goal for school meals (30% by 2030).
  • The resolution links to broader goals of food sovereignty, climate resilience, and indigenous agricultural practices by prioritizing native crops.

Potential Impact and Considerations

  • If enacted through DOE action, may increase local procurement, bolster local farms, and enhance dietary alignment with cultural practices.
  • The measure does not authorize funding or create new laws; it directs study and action by DOE and may inform future legislative proposals.

Conclusion

HCR 104 aims to accelerate Hawaii’s farm-to-school progress by removing procurement barriers, building farmer connections, expanding incentives, and ensuring culturally relevant foods, with a progress report due ahead of the 2026 legislative session.

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

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