HI SB3091

Appropriates $20,000,000 from general revenues to the Department of Education for fiscal year 2023-2024 to address food service operations deficit.

Declares that the general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2023-2024 is exceeded by an additional $20,000,000 (one percent) due to this appropriation.

Notes that the Department of Education currently accumulates approximately 20,000 school breakfasts and 80,000 school lunches daily across the state, with a food service deficit exceeding $20,000,000 largely caused by forty-two percent increases in food costs during 2022-2023.

Specifies that Title I students receive free meals while other students and staff must pay, and states that students are not denied meals due to inability to pay.

Takes effect upon approval and is recommended by the governor for immediate passage under Article VII, Section 9 of the Hawaii Constitution.