HI HB1255

Establishes the Hawaii emergency food assistance program to be administered by the department of agriculture during declared states of emergency to distribute locally-grown or produced food to food-insecure residents.

Creates the Hawaii emergency food assistance program special fund to receive appropriations, legislative funding, gifts, donations, grants, and interest, with funds available only when a state of emergency is declared under section 127A-14.

Requires food banks receiving funds to use them exclusively to purchase, store, and transport food grown or produced in Hawaii for free distribution to recipients.

Appropriates $5,000,000 to the special fund for each of fiscal years 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, and appropriates an equal amount from the special fund for expenditure by the department of agriculture.

Funds deposited in the special fund do not lapse into the general fund and are exempt from certain statutory limitations on fund transfers and expenditures.