Current Legislative Priorities
For the 2026 legislative session, Hawaiʻi Hunger Action Network focused on these three priority areas:
Recently, this has been through:
Expanding SNAP eligibility, improving systems, increasing allotments, supporting outreach
Increasing long-term state commitment and funding for farm to families programs
Implementing universal free school meals for all students, removing cost mandates.
State level advocacy
Federal level advocacy
Here are some resources we have created to help navigate the federal impacts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program:
County level advocacy
Hawai’i Hunger Action Network focuses on advocacy at the state level, but change also happens locally.
Here are practical ways to get involved in your county to address food security through multiple pathways.
Hawaiʻi Hunger Action Network advocates to strengthen food security and expand access to nutritious, affordable food for all Hawaiʻi residents at the state legislature.
Administrative and Community Planning
Hawaiʻi’s four counties have already shown their commitment to ensuring food security by developing countywide food access plans.
Explore your county’s food access plan using the links below:
County Council Advocacy
All four county councils—the legislative bodies for each county—are in session all year
The following links can help you get started on how to find and contact your councilmember, track bills through meeting agendas, and provide testimony:
Charter Amendments
All four counties periodically revisit plans, codes, and emergency protocols, creating additional windows for community leadership.
The Honolulu City Charter Review process on Oʻahu is currently underway:
Proposal 119 guarantees intentional investment in emergency relief and local farming initiatives, ensuring that healthy, locally grown food reaches our most vulnerable neighbors.