Hawaii lawmakers to examine federal impacts on agriculture, food security

Two state Senate committees will hold a joint informational briefing next week to examine how recent federal policy changes are affecting the state’s agricultural and food sectors, amid growing concern over rising costs, trade disruptions and weakening federal support for farmers.

The Senate Committee on Judiciary, chaired by state Sen. Karl Rhoads (D, Nuuanu- Downtown-Iwilei), and the Committee on Agriculture and Environment, chaired by state Sen. Mike Gabbard, (D, Kapolei-Makakilo-Kalaeloa), will convene the session at 10 a.m. Thursday, in Conference Room 016 at the state Capitol and via video conference.

“The Judiciary Committee is looking to hear from industry and department experts in agriculture and biosecurity for a clearer understanding of the local impacts from the administration’s recent policy changes,” Rhoads said in a statement. “Hawaii’s agriculture and food industries are externally dependent and could see serious impacts from federal decisions.”

Gabbard said the hearing aims to give farmers, ranchers and other stakeholders a platform to share “on-the-ground effects” of shifting national policies.

“From increased costs due to tariffs, to uncertainty around federal support, these impacts are immediate,” he said. “We need to listen, understand, and advocate for policies that strengthen Hawaii’s food security and protect our agricultural future.”

The agenda includes presentations from Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the Hawaii Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity; Amanda Shaw, director of food systems at the Oahu Resource Conservation and Development Council; Suzanne Shriner, administrator of the Synergistic Hawaii Agriculture Council; Hunter Heaivilin, advocacy director for the Hawaii Farmers Union United; and Amy Miller, president and CEO of the Hawaii Foodbank.

Brian Miyamoto, executive director of the Hawaii Farm Bureau, will also deliver both the opening overview and closing summary of key themes. Committee members will then have time for questions.

Thursday’s session is the latest in a series of informational briefings on the rule of law and the impacts of recent actions by President Donald Trump’s second administration on Hawaii’s economy and institutions. Earlier briefings have examined topics ranging from energy policy to immigration enforcement.

Photo ID is required to enter the state Capitol. Limited paid parking is available at the building, with additional lots nearby on Punchbowl Street.

For more details and links to past and upcoming briefings, visit the Senate Judiciary Committee webpage at capitol.hawaii.gov.