HI SB2722

Establishes a five-year food hub pilot program under the Department of Agriculture to increase state food security by supporting local food production and distribution through centrally located facilities.

Awards grant funding to qualified applicants in Maui, Kauai, Hawaii, and Honolulu counties for construction and improvement of food hub infrastructure including aggregation, washing, processing, packaging, cold storage, and value-added facilities.

Sets eligibility criteria requiring applicants to demonstrate experience in food aggregation and distribution, obtain necessary insurance and vendor compliance certificates, and provide detailed operational plans for new food hubs.

Requires the Department of Agriculture to submit interim reports to the legislature in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024, and a final report by 2025 recommending whether the program should become permanent.

Appropriates funds from general revenues for fiscal year 2020-2021 to establish the program and award grants; takes effect July 1, 2050.