HI SR106

Requests the Department of Education to submit a report to the Legislature on farm-to-school program implementation, local food procurement levels, and alignment with Hawaii's regional kitchen investments by twenty days prior to the 2026 Regular Session.

Report must include baseline local procurement data with breakdowns by complex area, island, and product categories (produce, protein, value-added items), along with an assessment of how procurement operations align with modular and distributed kitchen infrastructure.

Requires documentation of current contracting methods and identification of barriers preventing expanded participation by small- and mid-sized local farms, including recommended administrative or statutory changes.

Must detail the Department's participation in USDA farm-to-school grant programs, explain any barriers to participation, and provide a forward plan for future grant cycles.

Requests a near-term (one year) and mid-term (one to three years) action plan with specific staffing, funding, and technical assistance needs, including coordination recommendations with the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Agribusiness Development Corporation, and DBEDT.