HI HCR194

Urges the Governor, Legislature, and Hawaii's congressional delegation to pursue a constitutional exemption from the Commerce Clause for agricultural produce grown in Hawaii.

Cites Hawaii's food security vulnerability, with over 85 percent of food imported and climate change increasing risks through sea level rise and intensified weather patterns.

Identifies Jones Act shipping requirements and high farming costs (land, water, cost of living) as creating unfair competitive disadvantages for Hawaii's small farms, which comprise 96 percent of the state's agricultural operations.

Notes that 58 percent of Hawaii's small farms average 16 acres or less and incur average annual losses of nearly $10,000 due to elevated production costs.

Argues the Commerce Clause was never intended to favor national corporate agriculture over small local farms and that Hawaii's unique geographic and historical circumstances warrant special consideration.