HI SR19

Urges the Governor, Legislature, and Hawaii's congressional delegation to pursue an exemption to the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution for agricultural produce grown in Hawaii.

Identifies Hawaii's food security vulnerability, noting the state imports over 85 percent of its food and faces climate risks including sea level rise and hurricanes.

Cites economic hardships for Hawaii farmers, including high land costs, water rates, shipping expenses under the Jones Act, and the highest farming costs in the nation, with 96 percent of Hawaii farms being small operations averaging 16 acres or less.

Notes that small farms in Hawaii incur average annual losses of almost $10,000 and argues the Commerce Clause unintentionally favors national corporate agriculture over small local producers.

Directs certified copies be sent to Hawaii's congressional delegation, the Governor, Attorney General, Board of Agriculture Chairperson, and Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees Chair.