HI SB2705

Appropriates funds for fiscal year 2026-2027 to establish a Human and Community Resilience Institute at the University of Hawaii at Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience.

Creates 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.

Addresses food insecurity affecting more than 30% of Hawaii households, which exceeds pandemic-era levels according to the Hawaii Foodbank.

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

Effective date of July 1, 2026; specific appropriation amount left blank in bill text.