Members of the Hawaiʻi Senate Committee on Ways and Means on Tuesday received an update from the Hawai‘i Agribusiness Development about plans for a new state initiative aimed at scaling up local farmers and entrepreneurs while increasing economic resilience.

Members of the Ways and Means Committee and other officials gathered near the historic Kaua‘i Plantation Railway in Līhuʻe for a site visit and briefing about the strategic plan guiding the Hawai‘i Food and Product Innovation Network.

The Kauaʻi facility is part of a larger ecosystem that includes complementary projects on Oʻahu and Maui, integrating food science, equipment access and training partnerships with University of Hawai‘i and Hawai‘i Department of Health.

Discussions focused on regional coordination, infrastructure development and launch of a pilot program on Kauaʻi that integrates processing equipment, workforce training and business support services.

The Hawai‘i Food and Product Innovation Network initiative draws inspiration from New Zealand’s public-private innovation model and includes strategic investments throughout the islands.

Participating in Tuesday’s discussions also were Hawai‘i Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism Deputy Director Dane Wicker and other department officials along with others from Agribusiness Development Corporation, University of Hawaiʻi Community Design Center and the Hawaiʻi Department of Health.

“Continuing to invest in agricultural production is a clear step in the right direction,” said state Sen. Glenn Wakai, who represents O‘ahu’s District 15, in a release following Tuesday’s visit.

Recent legislative support includes enactment of:

• Act 237, which established the Food and Product Innovation Network.

• Act 250, which appropriates $350,000 for program coordination.

• Act 230, which dedicates $2 million for a new agricultural processing facility in Kekaha.

“The Senate recognizes that agriculture is not just about farming — it’s about food security, economic opportunity and sustaining our way of life,” said Senate President Ronald Kouchi, who represents Kaua‘i and Niʻihau, in the release.

Kouchi added that it’s encouraging to see the necessary steps being taken to expand export capacity and provide more locally grown food on plates at schools and hospitals.

“These are the kinds of forward-thinking efforts that can transform Hawai‘i’s agricultural economy and create lasting benefits for our islands,” he said in the release.

Wicker — whose state agency oversees Hawai‘i Agribusiness Development Corporation — said the intiative is critical to building a resilient and self-sustaining Hawai‘i economy.

“The Food and Product Innovation Network is a meaningful investment in Hawai‘i’s future — one that bridges education to export pathways by equipping our schools, colleges and entrepreneurs with the skills and infrastructure they need to bring local innovations to the global marketplace,” said Senate Ways and Means Chairman Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz, who represents O‘ahu’s District 17, in the release.

By investing in the infrastructure, facilities, equipment and wraparound services the state’s local businesses need, small and medium-sized enterprises will be created and existing companies will continue to be supported.

Wicker said that will expand the state’s Hawai‘i Made program and strengthen other efforts such as farm-to-school and farm-to-state programs.

“This is about more than just economic growth; it’s about food security, community resilience and reducing our dependence on imported food and emergency provisions during natural disasters,” he said in the release.

Hawai‘i Food and Product Innovation Network’s vision is to enable Hawaiʻi-based entrepreneurs to develop, scale and export products that strengthen our food system, reduce import reliance and capitalize on Hawaiʻi’s global brand.

“By strengthening the entire ecosystem — from classroom learning to commercial-scale production — we’re fostering regional economic development that benefits our communities statewide and elevates Hawai‘i-made products on the world stage,” Dela Cruz added in the release.

The Senate Committee on Ways and Means received a comprehensive update on Tuesday from the Agribusiness Development Corporation on the development of Hawai‘i’s food and product innovation efforts to help scale up local farmers and entrepreneurs and increase economic resilience. 

The ADC is administratively attached to the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.

Dane Wicker, Deputy Director of DBEDT, along with other members from ADC, DBEDT, University of Hawaiʻi Community Design Center, and the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health gathered near the historic Kaua‘i Plantation Railway in Līhuʻe for a site visit and briefing on the strategic plan guiding the Food and Product Innovation Network pursuant to Act 237, Session Laws of Hawaiʻi 2025. Discussions focused on regional coordination, infrastructure development, and the launch of a pilot on Kauaʻi that integrates processing equipment, workforce training, and business support services. 

“Continuing to invest in agricultural production is a clear step in the right direction,” said Sen. Glenn Wakai (D – 15, Kalihi, Māpunpuna, Airport, Salt Lake, Āliamanu, Foster Village, Hickam, Pearl Harbor, and portions of ʻAiea and Pearl City), Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism. “A month ago, I secured a partnership with Amazon Air Cargo to take Hawaiʻi agricultural products to the mainland – cheaper and faster.” 

“The Senate recognizes that agriculture is not just about farming — it’s about food security, economic opportunity, and sustaining our way of life,” said Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi (D – 8, Kaua‘i, Niʻihau). “We’ve supported a wide range of agricultural initiatives championed by our farmers, local business owners, and community leaders, and it is encouraging to see necessary steps being taken to expand our export capacity and provide more locally grown food on the tables for our schools and hospitals. These are the kinds of forward-thinking efforts that can transform Hawai‘i’s agricultural economy and create lasting benefits for our islands.” 

The Hawai‘i FPIN initiative draws inspiration from New Zealand’s public-private innovation model and includes strategic investments across the islands. Recent legislative support includes the passage of Act 237, Session Laws of Hawai‘i 2025, establishing FPIN, Act 250, Session Laws of Hawai‘i 2025, appropriating $350,000 for program coordination, and Act 230, Session Laws of Hawai‘i 2024, dedicating $2 million for a new agricultural processing facility in Kekaha. 

FPIN’s vision is to enable Hawaiʻi-based entrepreneurs to develop, scale and export products that strengthen our food system, reduce import reliance, and capitalize on Hawaiʻi’s global brand. The Kaua‘i facility is part of a larger ecosystem that includes complementary projects on Oʻahu and Maui, integrating food science, equipment access and training partnerships with UH and DOH. 

“The Food and Product Innovation Network is a meaningful investment in Hawaii’s future—one that bridges education to export pathways by equipping our schools, colleges, and entrepreneurs with the skills and infrastructure they need to bring local innovations to the global marketplace,” said Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, Sen. Donovan M. Dela Cruz (D – 17, portion of Mililani, Mililani Mauka, portion of Waipiʻo Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village). “By strengthening the entire ecosystem—from classroom learning to commercial-scale production—we’re fostering regional economic development that benefits our communities statewide and elevates Hawai‘i-made products on the world stage.” 

“The FPIN is critical to building a resilient and self-sustaining economy for Hawai‘i,” said DBEDT Deputy Director Dane Wicker. “By investing in the infrastructure, facilities, equipment, and wraparound services our local businesses need, we are not only creating new small and medium-sized enterprises—we’re supporting existing companies, expanding our Hawai‘i Made program, and strengthening initiatives like farm-to-school and farm-to-state. This is about more than just economic growth; it’s about food security, community resilience, and reducing our dependence on imported food and emergency provisions during natural disasters.” 

Across decades, Hawai‘i’s educators, farmers and food advocates have championed a stronger, vital connection between our local food system and public schools. The vision is clear: nourish students with fresh, local meals and provide stable, reliable opportunities for island farmers and food producers.

Turning this vision into a consistent, large-scale reality has been difficult and often delayed, but today, we may be witnessing a pivotal shift.

For long-time champions of this cause, it is gratifying to see renewed purpose and focused leadership translating farm-to-school ideals from aspiration into plans for action. This heightened alignment is underscored by recent news releases demonstrating robust public support from key leaders, including Hawaiʻi First Lady Jaime Kanani Green, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, legislators like Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz and Rep. Kirstin Kahaloa, and Superintendent Keith Hayashi. Their unified endorsement sends a powerful message: farm-to-school is a necessity, and the time for decisive action is now.

After years of stop-and-go progress, the Hawai‘i Department of Education is now taking tangible, visible steps toward building a more localized and sustainable school food system. This includes strategic investments in infrastructure and redesigning menus that will feature locally grown ingredients and appeal to students’ local tastes. By integrating more locally grown produce, HIDOE is starting to actively embrace the significance of its role in growing Hawai‘i’s food economy.

This momentum is not accidental — it is backed by a legislative mandate. In 2021, Act 175 took a critical first step by establishing statewide benchmarks for the department’s local food procurement. While this initial legislation was lauded by advocates (including Ulupono Initiative), its implementation was lacking.

A concerning drop in local ingredients in student meals (from 6.2% to 5.4%) and vague legislative reports clearly showed that better planning, accountability, and strategies to hui up with local farmers were needed.

Hawai‘i’s farm-to-school goals are ambitious, but they are achievable with the right systems and support from local leadership. No longer a niche idea, farm-to-school is now widely recognized as a smart, long-term investment yielding significant returns in student health, robust local economies, and enhanced educational outcomes. This movement is a clear win for our students, farmers and families across Hawai’i.

Momentum is not accidental. It’s backed by legislative mandate.

Still, HIDOE cannot do this alone. Reaching these goals requires strong teamwork among agencies, close partnerships with local farmers and food hubs, and ongoing investment in essential infrastructure like packaging and distribution. As the state’s largest food buyer, HIDOE’s leadership is key to this success.

For all who have championed this cause for years, this is a moment of hope and excitement for the future. With strong leadership and shared purpose, we can finally make local food in every school not just a goal, but a given.