Hawaii on the Hill: Advocating for Hawaii’s Food Industry and Agricultural Resilience

More than 200 local leaders and over 90 businesses arrived in Washington, D.C., for the 10th Annual Hawaii on the Hill from June 6 to 11, 2026.

Co-hosted by U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono and the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii brought Hawaii's agricultural and culinary industries to federal decision-makers. The annual event serves as a premier platform for the Hawaii Food Industry Association and the Hawaii Farm Bureau.

Farming functions as a major economic engine from soil to shelf across the islands. Without profitable operations, local supply chains face severe collapse risks and increased reliance on imported goods.

The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, the Hawaii Food Industry Association, and the Hawaii Farm Bureau form a strategic partnership to tackle federal policies. Together, they target supply chain resilience, federal funding for agricultural technology, and regulatory relief for family farms.

The congressional delegation supports these efforts through key committee assignments. Senator Mazie Hirono utilizes her seat on the Senate Small Business Committee to protect local manufacturers and family-run operations.

Senator Brian Schatz uses his roles on the Appropriations and Commerce Committees to secure harbor systems and shipping lifelines. Congressman Ed Case works on the House Appropriations Committee, securing over $216 million for pest control programs and defending the Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment Program.

Congresswoman Jill Tokuda serves on the House Agriculture Committee and spearheaded the Tariff Free Farming Act. Tokuda also secured $30 million for the Micro-Grants for Food Security Program and $2.5 billion for agricultural research facilities in the House Farm Bill draft.

The Taste of Hawaii exhibition drew a record-breaking crowd of over 1,600 members of Congress, federal agency staffers, and national leaders to Capitol Hill. Local mainstays like the Hawaiian Chip Company, Kauai Kookie, Lappert’s Ice Cream, Mahi Pono, Maui Gold, and Aloun Farms showcased physical island products.

The Hawaii Food & Wine Festival partnered in the event to demonstrate the global culinary and agricultural power of the islands. Organizers emphasized that physical presence in the capital remains critical for an island state located 5,000 miles away.

Showing up is indeed half the battle.

Senator Hirono's observation shows why in-person advocacy is necessary. Walking the halls of Congress prevents isolated island industries from becoming out of sight and out of mind.