8legs: Hawaii state legislature

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'Structural Disaster': Audit Slams DOE Over Local Food Mandate

State audit questions DOE progress on hitting 30% local food spending by 2030 and cites data gaps.
Audit says DOE lacks detailed plans and relies on questionable data to track local purchases.
Centralized kitchens plan is described as high hopes rather than confirmed, with cost and implementation gaps.
Some schools used handwritten ledgers and relied on vendor data, raising questions about costs and local sourcing.
DOE leadership remains optimistic that local goals can be met with interagency collaboration.
Auditors note potential cost growth and missing details for the regional kitchen model statewide.
Education advocates stress need for improved data and centralized reporting.
Officials plan to implement recommendations by 2028 and adjust budgets accordingly.
Federal produce program funds were underused, highlighting efficiency gaps.
DOE acknowledges audit and cites ongoing efforts to address recommendations.

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