STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3914

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.C.R. No. 144

H.D. 2

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Government Operations and Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 144, H.D. 2, entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND BIOSECURITY TO COLLABORATE WITH STATE AND COUNTY AGENCIES AND COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS TO DEVELOP A COMPREHENSIVE STATEWIDE FOOD SECURITY STRATEGY,"

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to request the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to collaborate with state and county agencies and community-based organizations to develop a comprehensive statewide food security strategy.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau, Agriculture Stewardship Hawaiʻi, Hawaii Food Industry Association, and Kanalani Ohana Farm.

Your Committees received comments on this measure from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.

Your Committees find that many residents in the State, especially systemically disadvantaged communities, young adults, and households relying on federal nutrition assistance, suffer from persistent food insecurity. Your Committees further find that challenges of geographic isolation, intergenerational inequities, processed foods, climate change, and economic disruptions compound the harmful effects arising from these residents' already limited access to nutritious food. This measure will harness the expertise and resources of government and community leaders to promote equitable food security and improve public welfare throughout the State.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Government Operations and Agriculture and Environment that are attached to this report, your Committees concur with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 144, H.D. 2, and recommend its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Government Operations and Agriculture and Environment,

________________________________ MIKE GABBARD, Chair

________________________________ ANGUS L.K. MCKELVEY, Chair