HI SB338

Establishes a five-year food hub pilot program administered by the department of agriculture to increase local food production and access, particularly in underserved areas and food deserts.

Awards grant funding to qualified applicants for construction or improvement of food hub facilities including aggregation, washing, processing, packaging, and cold storage, as well as technical assistance to supply state institutions.

Requires applicants to demonstrate experience in food aggregation and processing, obtain necessary insurance and vendor compliance certification, and provide detailed operational plans explaining how they will increase access to locally produced food.

Mandates interim reports to the legislature in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025, and a final report by 2026 recommending whether the program should be made permanent.

Appropriates unspecified general revenue funds for fiscal years 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, and authorizes general obligation bonds for critical infrastructure upgrades at the Honalo Marshalling Yard; appropriation does not lapse until June 30, 2024.