THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	3379
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

Relating to food security.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that Hawaii's food banks have provided food to those in need for nearly forty years. Food bank reserves have filled a critical need during disaster situations in the State, including in the aftermath of Hurricane Iniki, COVID-19, and the Lahaina wildfire. The legislature further finds that people rely more heavily on Hawaii's food banks during and after these disaster situations. The legislature notes that following the Lahaina wildfire that displaced several thousand residents on Maui, the demand placed on food banks sharply increased. Within three months of the wildfire, Maui Food Bank surpassed its usual annual supply of three million pounds of food, demonstrating the State's need to expand its food storage capacity in the event of further disaster situations.

The legislature additionally finds that food insecurity is a rising critical issue in Hawaii. As the cost of food in the State has increased by more than five per cent in the last twelve months, the legislature finds that addressing the ongoing food security needs of the people of Hawaii is imperative. The legislature further finds that purchasing food from local farmers to support food banks supports Hawaii's economy and support local farmers. Furthermore, funds for food banks used for farm to food bank participation will benefit those needing food as well as the economy.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds for food bank purchases from local farmers, with the funds to be administered by request for proposal via the department of agriculture.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $2,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 for food bank purchase from local farmers.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by request for proposal via the department of agriculture for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. In accordance with section 9 of article VII of the Hawaii State Constitution and sections 37‑91 and 37‑93, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the legislature has determined that the appropriations contained in H.B. No.     , will cause the state general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024‑2025 to be exceeded by $           or      per cent. In addition, the appropriation contained in this Act will cause the general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024‑2025 to be further exceeded by $           or      per cent. The combined total amount of general fund appropriations contained in only these two Acts will cause the state general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024‑2025 to be exceeded by $           or      per cent. The reasons for exceeding the general fund expenditure ceiling are that:

(1) The appropriation made in this Act is necessary to serve the public interest; and

(2) The appropriation made in this Act meets the needs addressed by this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2024.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Food Banks; Farm to Food Bank; Department of Agriculture Appropriation; Expenditure Ceiling

Description:

Appropriates funds for food bank purchase from local farmers, to be expended by request for proposal via the Department of Agriculture.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.