Hawaii Senate Bill SR113

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Refer: 3/12/25
• Report Pass: 4/2/25
• Passed: 4/3/25

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

The resolution has broad implications for the state's approach to student nutrition and financial management. It highlights the state's responsibility to ensure affordable access to school meals while taking into consideration their nutritional value. The need for itemized cost breakdowns could lead to more efficient budgeting and better allocation of resources in school meal programs. Additionally, without clear reporting mechanisms, increases in meal prices could exacerbate food insecurity for working families, particularly in a high-cost state like Hawaii.

Summary

Senate Resolution 113 urges the Department of Education in Hawaii to provide a comprehensive report detailing the true cost of producing school meals. This resolution arises amidst concerns regarding a proposed increase in meal prices, which would significantly raise student lunch costs over the next few years. Current prices range from $2.50 to $2.75, with proposals to escalate them to up to $5.00. The situation demands transparency in the cost structures to avoid undue financial burdens on families, especially those who rely on free or reduced-price meals.

Contention

One of the noteworthy points of contention surrounding SR113 is the potential impact of proposed price hikes on Hawaii's economically vulnerable populations. Critics argue that without adequate transparency and justification for these cost increases, the state's educational system may alienate students who rely on affordable meal options. Moreover, there are concerns about whether the Department of Education can effectively provide the requested data for past and projected meal costs, as there is currently no established system in place for such reporting.

Future_commitment

The resolution expects the Department to submit this report, including a comprehensive analysis of meal production costs, by twenty days prior to the 2026 regular session. This commitment not only emphasizes the importance of transparent financial practices but also positions the legislature to consider potential legislative changes that could arise from the findings. The resolution acknowledges the importance of ensuring the sustainability of meal programs while also addressing underlying issues of food accessibility.