Full Breakdown
Honolulu Advances Food Security Fund to November Ballot
5/27/2026, 9:53:08 PM
Core Proposal: Dedicated Food Security Fund
The Honolulu Charter Commission advanced Proposal 119, earmarking $8 million annually from existing property-tax revenues for a new food-security fund. The fund would support programs that increase access to healthy, affordable foods grown, raised, or harvested in Hawai‘i, and related value-added products. Fixing a share of tax revenue makes hunger relief a permanent municipal priority.
Rising Hunger on O‘ahu: Data and Context
A Hawai‘i Foodbank report released in November 2025 found that one in four of O‘ahu’s roughly one-million residents lack sufficient food for an active, healthy life. About 165 000 people—two-thirds of those experiencing food insecurity—skip meals because they cannot afford food. The report notes worsening food-related distress benchmarks.
Financial Structure and Allocation
Currently, 1.5 % of Honolulu’s property-tax revenue—about $24 million—funds three special funds: affordable housing, clean water and natural lands, and climate resiliency. Proposal 119 would raise the allocation to 2 % (?$32 million) and split it equally among three existing funds and new food-security fund, giving each $8 million per year. Up to 10 % may be used for non-local food in emergencies.
Official Statements & Responses
Elia Herman, director of advocacy for Hawai‘i Foodbank, said the fund would guarantee hunger relief regardless of which officials hold office. Commission Vice Chair Sommerset Yamamoto called city’s approach reactive and subject to budget politics, urging a stable solution. Commission committee asserted food insecurity warrants sustained investment. Commissioner Diane Kawauchi warned earmarking resources for special funds can erode City Council budgeting authority. Supporters say measure will strengthen local food system.
Criticism & Opposition
Commissioners Diane Kawauchi and Trey Gordner opposed the measure, arguing that adding another special fund limits budget flexibility and diminishes City Council authority over allocations. They warned that committing a fixed revenue share could constrain fiscal decisions, even though the proposal preserves current funding for the three existing funds.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The reason to do a fund like this is that it shouldn’t matter who is in office and on the council,” — Elia Herman, Director of Advocacy, Hawai‘i Foodbank
- “has remained reactive, sometimes inconsistent and subject to politics of annual budget cycles. And that has to change.” — Sommerset Yamamoto, Honolulu Charter Commissioner (Vice Chair)
- “The budget function of the City Council is among the greatest powers that the City Council holds under our charter, and the more general fund resources that are allocated to special funds erodes that authority of the City Council,” — Diane Kawauchi, Commissioner
- “food insecurity rises to that level of importance and warrants a dedicated and sustained investment” — Honolulu Charter Commission Committee
What’s Next
The proposal now moves to another commission committee and the city-county corporation counsel for ballot-language review. Final recommendations for the November 2026 ballot are expected in mid-July and will be sent to the City Clerk in mid-August. Voters will decide the measure in the November election.
