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 food to food-insecure residents, including low-income and unemployed individuals and families.

Creates a dedicated 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 has been declared.

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

Appropriates $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2021-2022 and $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2022-2023 from the general fund into the special fund, with an equivalent $5,000,000 appropriation each year from the special fund for program expenditures.

Exempts the special fund from lapsing into the general fund and from being subject to certain budget control statutes, ensuring funds remain available for emergency food assistance purposes.