H.C.R. NO. 104 Summary

• Urges the Department of Education to strengthen farm-to-school initiatives to increase local food procurement, with a goal of sourcing at least 30 percent of school meal ingredients locally by 2030 (established in Act 175, Session Laws of Hawaii 2021)

• Requests DOE to streamline procurement processes for small and medium-scale farmers, including simplifying contracting requirements and increasing flexibility in sourcing policies

• Requests DOE to develop a statewide database of eligible local farms interested in supplying food to schools and increase financial incentives through grant programs and subsidies

• Requests DOE to ensure culturally appropriate Native Hawaiian crops, such as kalo, ʻuala, and ulu, are incorporated into school meal programs to support food sovereignty and indigenous agricultural practices

• Requires DOE to submit a progress report to the Legislature no later than 20 days prior to the convening of the 2026 Regular Session