REP GOEAC 011 2025-01-07 2024-2026

Home

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS DATE: January 7, 2025 Re: Comm. No. 61 /Res. No. 42-25 PLACE: Council Chambers Hilo, Hawaii TIME: 9:01 a.m. Council Chair and Members Hawaii County Council Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs, to which was referred Resolution No. 42-25, reports as follows: Resolution No. 42-25, introduced by Council Member Ashley Kierkiewicz via Communication No. 61, dated December 18, 2024, urges the State of Hawaii to implement a universal free school meals program that promotes nutritional equity, supports local agriculture, and enhances student success. Resolution No. 42-25 requests the State of Hawaii incorporate local and regional food procurement strategies to develop a program to prioritize Hawaii -grown and Hawaii -made products to strengthen local food systems and support food sustainability goals essential for academic success and personal well-being. Committee Member Ashley Kierkiewicz began by sharing that this resolution was created from the conversations her office had with the Hawaii Public Health Institute after the AgriPolicy Summit last year. The purpose of this resolution is to make certain that our keiki have access to the nutritional foundation that they need for successful development and learning. Another aspect of this resolution is ensuring that the food that is being served at our schools is nutritious and locally sourced, which will support our local agricultural ecosystems and economy. Member Kierkiewicz said that this resolution will send a strong message to our State Legislature about supporting our most precious resource, our keiki. Committee Chair Jenn Kagiwada requested that Council Members be notified when there is an opportunity to submit testimony at the State level in support. GOEAC Report No. 11