Imagine if all shipping to Hawaiʻi stopped tomorrow because of a hurricane, a pandemic, or even a conflict. How long would our food last? The reality is pretty grim: Hawaiʻi relies on imports for about 90% of its food. Only 12% of households have the recommended two-week emergency food supply. On Hawaiʻi Island, food insecurity affects over 40% of the population, the highest rate in the state. We are vulnerable.
That’s why Senate Bill 3162, known as the Strategic Food Reserve Act, is crucial. This bill aims to create food reserves on each island, similar to the national Strategic Petroleum Reserve, but focused on food security.
What sets SB 3162 apart is that it’s more than just a disaster-preparedness measure. It tackles multiple issues:
1. Emergency Resilience
The bill mandates a three-month supply of non-perishable foods for 25% of each island’s population, increasing to 50% by 2031. This ensures we’re ready for the next hurricane or global crisis.
2. Support for Local Farmers
The bill specifies that 60% of the food in the reserves must come from local crops. By offering farmers long-term contracts at fair prices and even better rates for sustainable practices, it provides them with financial security to grow their businesses.
3. Cultural Food Sovereignty
SB 3162 prioritizes culturally important crops, like kalo and ʻuala, that have sustained our islands for centuries. It connects food security with cultural heritage, ensuring that traditional foods are preserved.
4. Active Feeding Today
The bill advocates for a rotation system where food reserves are cycled through food banks and community networks, so families in need can benefit from them right now, rather than waiting for a disaster.
The support for this bill is broad. Major organizations in Hawaiʻi’s food system, from farmers to retailers, stand behind it. Not one has opposed it. But the real challenge lies ahead. The bill must now pass through the Senate Ways and Means Committee, where funding questions will arise.
Additionally, many residents are feeling the effects of federal cuts to safety-net programs, which hit vulnerable families hard. According to recent studies, nearly 27% of households in Hawaiʻi experience some form of food insecurity, a number that has only increased in light of rising living costs. As weather patterns become more unpredictable and global tensions rise, we need to think long-term about food security.
Agreeing on the need for this bill is just the beginning. To ensure SB 3162 moves forward, public pressure is essential. We need to advocate for a safety net that allows us to weather storms—be they literal or figurative. Our islands once thrived on local food production. It’s time we rebuild that capability to ensure we remain resilient.
