Hawaii House Bill HCR111

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Refer: 3/14/25
• Report Pass: 3/27/25
• Engrossed: 3/27/25
• Refer: 3/28/25

Caption

Urging The Department Of Education To Provide A Detailed Report To The Legislature On The True Cost Of Producing School Meals To Ensure Transparency And Avoid Unnecessary Price Increases.

Impact

This legislative resolution is poised to impact local education laws regarding the management and financial reporting of school meal programs. By calling for a detailed accounting of meal production costs—including ingredients, operational expenses, beverage costs, and other logistics—the resolution seeks to address issues of affordability and food insecurity that many students face in Hawaii. The expectation is that the Department of Education will develop more robust reporting measures that reflect the actual cost of providing school meals, which is said to currently average $9.00 per meal.

Summary

HCR111 is a House Concurrent Resolution introduced in the Hawaii State Legislature that urges the Department of Education to provide a comprehensive report on the true costs associated with producing school meals. The resolution emphasizes the need for transparency in the pricing of school meals amidst proposed increases, with student lunch prices potentially rising to $4.75 for grades K-8 and $5.00 for grades 9-12 by the 2028-2029 school year. Advocates for the bill argue that understanding these costs is crucial for ensuring that families, particularly those with limited resources, are not adversely affected by rising meal prices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, HCR111 highlights the critical perspective on school meal pricing and the necessity for thorough transparency measures. The successful implementation of this resolution could establish a precedent for future legislative efforts to improve the financial sustainability of school meal programs and support needy families in the state. The anticipated report, which must be submitted by 2026, is expected to guide further legislative action and potentially influence future policies related to educational funding and food services.

Contention

Although the bill aims to promote transparency and accountability within school meal pricing, it may face challenges related to budget constraints and resistance from certain stakeholders within the education sector. Critics may argue about the feasibility of collecting and reporting such detailed financial data. Additionally, concerns regarding the state’s capacity to maintain affordable meal prices while adhering to federally mandated reimbursement rates may lead to contentious discussions as the resolution progresses in the legislative process. Supporters believe it is essential not only for fiscal responsibility but also for addressing the broader issues of child nutrition and food security.