STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3884

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.C.R. No. 117

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture and Environment, 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 and intent 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 Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Hawaii Food Industry Association, Hawaiʻi Primary Care Association, and two individuals.

Your Committee finds that recent data shows the State has a thirty percent food insecurity average, with some areas experiencing rates close to forty percent. Data-driven assessments, interagency collaboration, and a plan of action to increase food access are necessary to reduce the State's significant food insecurity rates and high grocery costs. This measure emphasizes the State's commitment to decreasing costs for local communities and achieving food sovereignty and security.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture and Environment that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 117, and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture and Environment,

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MIKE GABBARD, Chair