HI SB700

Appropriates $39,297,429 from general revenues for fiscal year 2023-2024 to cover utility expenses and school food services at Department of Education schools.

Cites rising inflation, energy costs (including closure of Oahu's last coal-burning power plant), and food commodity price increases of 42 percent for the 2022-2023 school year as justification for the emergency appropriation.

Notes disposable product costs for school food services increased across all island districts, ranging from 10 percent on Molokai to 38 percent on Kauai.

Appropriation does not lapse at end of fiscal year; any unexpended balance must lapse by June 30, 2024.

Takes effect July 1, 2023, and is recommended by the governor for immediate passage as an emergency measure under Hawaii State Constitution Article VII, Section 9.