Hawaii Lawmakers Push to Remove Carcinogens from School Lunches

House Concurrent Resolution 84 aims to eliminate processed meat from public school meals by 2032.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:05am

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray image revealing the internal structure of a hot dog, conceptually illustrating the hidden health risks of processed meats in school lunches.An X-ray view exposes the hidden dangers of processed meats commonly served in school cafeterias.Honolulu Today

A new resolution in the Hawaii state legislature is calling for the Department of Education to develop a plan to remove carcinogenic processed meats from public school lunches by 2032. The resolution, HCR 84, has already been adopted by the state House and is now moving to the Senate for consideration.

Why it matters

Processed meats like hot dogs and deli meat have been classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the World Health Organization, meaning they are known to cause cancer. With an epidemic of colon cancer on the rise among young people, advocates see this as an important step to protect the health of Hawaii's students.

The details

HCR 84 would require the Hawaii Department of Education to create a plan to either remove processed meats from school meals entirely by 2032 or offer minimally processed, scratch-made, or plant-based alternatives. The resolution has received support from key state legislators like Rep. Luke Evslin, House Education Chair Justin Woodson, and Vice Chair Trish La Chica.

  • HCR 84 has been adopted by the Hawaii state House.
  • The resolution is now moving to the state Senate for consideration.

The players

House Concurrent Resolution 84

A resolution in the Hawaii state legislature that calls for the Department of Education to develop a plan to remove carcinogenic processed meats from public school lunches by 2032.

Hawaii Department of Education

The state agency that would be tasked with creating a plan to eliminate processed meats from school meals if HCR 84 is passed.

Rep. Luke Evslin

A Hawaii state legislator who has championed HCR 84.

Justin Woodson

The Chair of the Hawaii House Education Committee, who has supported HCR 84.

Trish La Chica

The Vice Chair of the Hawaii House Education Committee, who has supported HCR 84.

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What they’re saying

“Now we need the Senate to schedule a hearing. I urge the community to show support for HCR 84. Our keiki deserve meals that help them grow, not increase cancer risk.”

— Stephanie Skow, Lihue resident

What’s next

The Hawaii state Senate will need to schedule a hearing on HCR 84 in order for the resolution to advance further.

The takeaway

This resolution highlights growing concerns about the health impacts of processed meats in school lunches, and demonstrates how state lawmakers are taking action to protect the wellbeing of students by pushing for healthier, less carcinogenic meal options.