Hawaii Senate Bill SR173

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/23
• Refer: 3/15/23
• Report Pass: 4/4/23
• Passed: 4/5/23

Caption

Urging The Department Of Agriculture To Update Its Mission Statement To Include Local Food Production To Supply Local Community Consumption, And To Feature The Mission Statement More Prominently On Its Website And Appropriate Publications.

Impact

The adoption of SR173 would have significant implications for state policies surrounding agriculture and local food initiatives. By prioritizing local production, the Department of Agriculture may take proactive measures to enhance support for farmers and ranchers through updated programs and outreach that reflect community demands. The resolution also emphasizes the economic impact of local agriculture, indicating that it generates approximately $500 million annually and contributes essential jobs across the state, with a total agricultural industry value nearing $3 billion.

Summary

Senate Resolution 173 (SR173), introduced in the 32nd Legislature of Hawaii, urges the Department of Agriculture to update its mission statement to prominently include local food production for community consumption. The resolution recognizes that the current mission, focused primarily on conservation and utilization of agricultural resources, fails to reflect the growing importance of local agriculture in supporting the state’s economy and food security. The text of SR173 highlights how the COVID-19 pandemic underscored vulnerabilities in the food supply chain, prompting a renewed focus on local agricultural production to meet consumption needs effectively.

Contention

As SR173 moves through the legislative process, there may be discussions regarding the extent of resources and policy changes needed to implement the proposed updates in the Department of Agriculture's mission statement. Key points of contention could revolve around balancing local food production initiatives with existing priorities, including global trade and agribusiness dynamics. Furthermore, the resolution calls for a visible communication strategy to ensure the updated mission is accessible, engaging various stakeholders to champion local agriculture’s role in both community resilience and economic vitality.