HI HB1605

Appropriates general fund revenues to the University of Hawaii at Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience to establish a Human and Community Resilience Institute focused on food security, youth development, and family well-being.

Addresses Hawaii's food insecurity crisis, with over 30% of households currently food insecure according to the Hawaii Foodbank—higher than pandemic-era levels.

Funds 12 staff positions including four community nutrition associates, four 4-H program coordinators, one analytical chemist, one nutrient data analyst, one data center manager, and one community-based program impact evaluator.

The institute would consolidate several existing programs: Center on the Family, Children's Healthy Living Center, Hawaii Nutrition Center, Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, and the statewide Hawaii 4-H Youth Development Program.

Institute objectives include conducting community needs assessments, developing nutrition education programs for K-12 schools and communities, and creating a new master's degree program in family and community resilience.