HI SB693

Appropriates $1,500,000 for fiscal year 2025-2026 and $1,500,000 for fiscal year 2026-2027 from general revenues to continue the Food Hub Pilot Program established by Act 313, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022.

Directs the Department of Agriculture to expend appropriated funds for implementing the food hub pilot program and awarding grant moneys to qualifying food hubs.

Recognizes food hubs as centrally located facilities that aggregate, store, process, distribute, and market locally produced food products to increase access to institutional and retail markets for small- to mid-sized producers.

Aims to strengthen the State's food security by growing more food locally and increasing access to fresh and healthy food, particularly in underserved areas and food deserts.

Takes effect on July 1, 2025.