HI SB249

Establishes progressive benchmarks for state departments (health, corrections and rehabilitation, defense, and University of Hawaii) to purchase locally-sourced food, with targets of 10% by January 1, 2025, increasing to 50% by January 1, 2050.

Exempts the Department of Education from the general benchmarks in Section 27-8, instead keeping it subject to its own separate 30% locally-sourced food goal by January 1, 2030 under Section 302A-405.6.

Applies benchmarks to fresh local agricultural products and local value-added processed agricultural or food products, measured as a percentage of total food cost.

Updates statutory language to clarify the Department of Education's farm-to-school meals requirement with consistent terminology and timeline.

Takes effect July 1, 2050.