REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO CONVENE A WORKING GROUP TO ADDRESS THE FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF AUDITOR'S REPORT NO. 26-08 REGARDING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF HAWAII'S FARM-TO-SCHOOL AND LOCAL FOOD PROCUREMENT INITIATIVES.

This Senate Resolution requests the Hawaii Department of Education to form a working group to address findings from an auditor's report on the state's farm-to-school program. The bill directly affects the Department of Education, local farmers, food distributors, and school administrators by creating a collaborative body to improve local food procurement in public schools. The working group will include representatives from education, agriculture, schools, and community organizations to review audit findings and develop strategies for better data collection, procurement practices, and coordination between schools and local producers. The group must submit a report to the Legislature by early 2027 with recommendations for improving the implementation of Hawaii's local food sourcing goals.