COMMITTEES ON JUDICIARY AND AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT TO HOLD BRIEFING ON FEDERAL IMPACTS

HONOLULU – The Senate Committee on Judiciary (JDC) and the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Environment (AEN) are holding an informational briefing on the impacts of recent federal policy changes, tariffs, and funding cuts on Hawaiʻi’s agriculture industry and food production availability.

View the Hearing Notice HERE 

“The Judiciary Committee is looking to hear from industry and department experts in agriculture and biosecurity for a clearer understanding of the local impacts from the administration’s recent policy changes,” said Senator Karl Rhoads (District 13 – Dowsett Highlands, Puʻunui, Nuʻuanu, Pacific Heights, Pauoa, Punchbowl, Pālama, Liliha, Iwilei, Chinatown, and Downtown) Chair of the Committee on Judiciary. “Hawaiʻi’s agriculture and food industries are externally dependent and could see serious impacts from federal decisions.”

“Alongside the Judiciary Committee, our goal is to ensure that local farmers, ranchers, and the agricultural community have an opportunity to discuss on-the-ground effects of the changes we are continuing to see federally,” said Senator Mike Gabbard (District 21 – Kapolei, Makakilo, Kalaeloa, Honokai Hale, portions of Fernandez Village, ‘Ewa, and Ko ʻOlina), Chair of the Committee on Agriculture and Environment. “From increased costs due to tariffs, to uncertainty around federal support, these impacts are immediate. We need to listen, understand, and advocate for policies that strengthen Hawai‘i’s food security and protect our agricultural future.”

AGENDA: 

1. Welcome and Introductions (10 mins)

2. Overview from Brian Miyamoto, Executive Director, Hawaiʿi Farm Bureau (5 mins)

3. Presentations (approximately 40 minutes total):  

  a.     Sharon Hurd, Chairperson, Hawaiʿi Board of Agriculture & Biosecurity (BAB)  

  b.     Amanda Shaw, Director of Food Systems, Oʻahu Resource Conservation &  Development Council (Oʻahu RC&D)

  c.     Suzanne Shriner, Administrator, Synergistic Hawaii Agriculture Council (SHAC)

  d.     Hunter Heaivilin, Advocacy Director, Hawai’i Farmers Union United (HFUU)

  e.     Amy Miller, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hawaiʻi Foodbank  

4. Overall Themes from Brian Miyamoto, Executive Director, Hawaiʿi Farm Bureau (10 mins)

5. Questions from the Committee (5 minutes per member for questions and answers)

WHEN/WHERE: 

10:00AM, Thursday, October 16, 2025

Conference Room 016 & Videoconference 

Hawaiʻi State Capitol

415 South Beretania Street

Honolulu, HI 96813

ACCESSIBILITY: For accommodations, please contact the committee clerk at (808) 587-7211 or email JDCCommittee@capitol.hawaii.gov. Requests made as early as possible have a greater likelihood of being fulfilled.

Photo ID is required for entry into the State Capitol building. Limited paid public parking is available at the Capitol; entrance is via Miller Street off Punchbowl. Additional public parking is available in Lot V (Vineyard Garage on Punchbowl); Lot G (Kalanimoku Building on Beretania & Punchbowl); and Lot L (Kinau Hale Building on Punchbowl).

This informational briefing is part of a series of informational briefings on the rule of law in relation to the recent actions of the Trump Administration and how its decisions are impacting Hawaiʻi. 

Information about past and upcoming briefings can be accessed on the Senate Judiciary Committee webpage HERE