STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1605-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.C.R. No. 117

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Public Safety, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 117 entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING THE GOVERNOR TO ASSESS FOOD INSECURITY CONDITIONS AND IMPLEMENT A STATEWIDE FOOD SECURITY RESPONSE PLAN,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to urge the Governor to assess food insecurity conditions in the State and implement a statewide food security response plan to address systemic gaps in access and local production.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Agribusiness Development Corporation; Hawaii Food Industry Association; Hawaii Primary Care Association; and Waiakea Inc.

Your Committee finds that Hawaii is among the most geographically isolated population centers in the world and remains heavily dependent on imported food and fuel, leaving residents vulnerable to global supply-chain disruptions, shipping constraints, volatility in prices, and emergency events that can drastically affect food availability and affordability. Your Committee further finds that Hawaii's reliance on imported food contributes to some of the highest grocery and living costs in the United States, placing disproportionate pressure on low‑ and moderate‑income households and increasing the risk that families will be unable to consistently access sufficient, nutritious food. Your Committee also finds that addressing food insecurity requires coordinated, data‑driven action across state agencies, counties, and community partners, and an up‑to‑date, comprehensive assessment is necessary to identify gaps in access, preparedness, and resilience within Hawaii's food system.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Public Safety that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 117 and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Public Safety,

____________________________

DELLA AU BELATTI, Chair