SENATOR MIKE GABBARD CELEBRATES PASSAGE OF TWO KEY BILLS TO STRENGTHEN HAWAI‘I’S LOCAL FOOD SYSTEM
- Hawaiʻi State Senate
- May 6
- 1 min read
Updated: May 13
HONOLULU – Senator Mike Gabbard (District 21 – Kapolei, Makakilo, Kalaeloa, portions of Fernandez Village, and ‘Ewa) today announced the successful passage of two major food system bills by the Hawai‘i State Legislature – a milestone moment in the state’s efforts to strengthen local agriculture and food security.
“These initiatives are the result of years of hard work and collaboration,” said Senator Gabbard, who championed the bills. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see them move forward, and I’m thankful to my fellow lawmakers and the many advocates who helped bring these ideas to life.”
The two measures represent a significant step toward building a more self-reliant and sustainable food system in Hawai‘i:
· SB1186 establishes a Statewide Interagency Food Systems Coordination Team and Working Group under the Agribusiness Development Corporation, creating a unified strategy to enhance Hawai‘i’s food resilience. Senator Gabbard has spent the last three years working on this bill to get it passed.
· SB693 continues funding for the Food Hub Pilot Program, which supports local farmers and food producers by improving distribution and access to fresh, local food to meet local demand.
“Increasing our support for local agriculture is essential – especially as more families face food insecurity and the need for homegrown food grows,” Gabbard said. “These bills are a direct investment in our communities and in Hawai‘i’s future.”
Senator Gabbard expressed optimism that the Governor will sign both measures into law, and reaffirmed his dedication to advancing legislation that supports local communities and long-term sustainability.