Candy and ice cream sales would be banned at Hawaii public schools under a measure that’s close to passing the state Legislature.

The Senate approved the bill 21-2 yesterday, and another version previously passed the House.
The legislation says candy and ice cream have minimal nutritional value, and that state law should comply with nutrition guidelines to promote student health and reduce childhood obesity.
The two “no” votes came from the Senate’s only Republicans.
Sen. Sam Slom of Hawaii Kai says the Department of Education should concentrate on learning rather than enforcing bans on enjoyable foods.
The measure will be sent to Gov. Linda Lingle if the House agrees to the Senate’s version, or if negotiators from both chambers craft a unified bill.