HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP GOEAC 011 2025-01-07 2024-2026REPORT 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
GOEAC-I I Page 2 January 7, 2025
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs is in accord with the purpose
and intent of Resolution No. 42-25, and recommends its adoption.
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AYES
NOES
ABS
EX
GALIMBA
X
HUSTACE
X
INABA
X
KAGIWADA
X
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER
X
KIERKIEWICZ
X
KIMBALL
X
ONISHI
X
VILLEGAS
X
Respectfully submitted,
•' • •
IMMIMMUMM-1-112VE-111 •
.�. •
• '•' •
ADOPTED.
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