HI SR127

Requests the Department of Education to convene a Farm-to-School and Local Food Procurement Working Group to address findings from Auditor's Report No. 26-08 on Hawaii's implementation of local food procurement initiatives.

The audit identified systemic challenges including absence of a comprehensive strategic plan, limited coordination with local agricultural producers, procurement processes that don't readily identify local products, and inadequate data collection and reporting systems.

Working group would consist of up to 17 members including DOE administrators, Department of Agriculture representatives, farmers, food distributors, school principals, cafeteria managers, nutrition professionals, nonprofit organizations, and one legislator from each chamber.

The group is tasked with developing strategies to improve local food data reporting, identify better procurement practices, strengthen coordination between DOE and Hawaii's agricultural sector, and recommend administrative or legislative actions.

DOE must submit a report to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2027 Regular Session summarizing the working group's findings and recommendations.