HB 1621: Climate Change Mitigation and Adaption Commission; Conservation Agriculture and Soil Health Incentive Program; Agriculture; Technical Assistance; Reports; Appropriation

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the State's agricultural sector faces increasing challenges from climate change, soil degradation, and the need for enhanced food security and economic resilience.  The legislature further finds that the department of agriculture and biosecurity has expressed concern regarding its capacity to administer conservation agriculture and soil health incentive programs due to limitations in technical expertise and staffing.

     The legislature also finds that the climate change mitigation and adaptation commission possesses land management expertise, conservation planning capacity, and stewardship responsibilities that align with the administration of agricultural conservation and soil health programs.  The legislature additionally finds consolidating existing conservation programs under the climate change mitigation and adaptation commission will eliminate structural barriers that prevent small and socially disadvantaged farmers from accessing conservation incentives and improve administrative efficiency and coordination of statewide agricultural conservation efforts.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish and appropriate funds for the conservation agriculture and soil health incentive program under the climate change mitigation and adaptation commission.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 225P, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§225P-     Conservation agriculture and soil health incentive program; established; requirements; annual report.  (a)  There is established within the commission a conservation agriculture and soil health incentive program to provide financial assistance and incentives, technical assistance, and education that supports the adoption of science-based conservation practices that improve soil health, water retention, and climate resilience; increase the content of organic matter in soil and carbon sequestration; reduce erosion, nutrient runoff, and reliance on external inputs, including synthetic fertilizers, imported feed, fossil fuels, and globally-sourced raw materials; and support local food production and economic viability.  The program shall support:

     (1)  Equitable access for small and socially disadvantaged farmers;

     (2)  First-time adopters of a one-time establishment practice or annual management practice;

     (3)  Systemic agroecological transitions rather than input substitution;

     (4)  Long-term maintenance and knowledge transfer of farming practices that promote agricultural conservation and soil health;

     (5)  Projects that incorporate traditional Native Hawaiian ecological knowledge and ecocultural restoration; and

     (6)  Projects that generate co-benefits including jobs, food security, water security, biodiversity gains, and invasive species management.

     (b)  In administering the program, the commission shall:

     (1)  Subject to available funding, issue awards and other financial incentives to promote the adoption, application, and maintenance of a one-time establishment practice and annual management practice that advances conservation agriculture; provided that the commission shall award no more than $           to an applicant; provided further that the commission:

          (A)  Shall require an applicant to adopt and maintain a one-time establishment practice or annual management practice for at least one year;

          (B)  May award enhanced assistance to first-time adopters of a one-time establishment practice or annual management practice; and

          (C)  May issue an award or other financial incentive to an applicant providing farmer-to-farmer mentorship;

     (2)  Subject to available funding, contract a public, nonprofit, or private partner to provide technical assistance to a program participant; provided that the commission shall give priority to a partner who is experienced in the State's farming conditions; provided further that pre-application technical assistance shall be available to a farmer at no cost;

     (3)  Upon the request of an applicant, furnish an application in the applicant's primary language;

     (4)  Develop and maintain a database to track eligible agricultural conservation practices, practitioners, acres, and outcomes;

     (5)  Coordinate with the university of Hawaii and relevant federal agencies to evaluate program outcomes; and

     (6)  Beginning January 1, 2028, review and update program procedures every three years.

     (c)  The commission shall prioritize financial and technical assistance for agricultural projects of no more than fifty acres for beginning farmers, Native Hawaiian farmers, and socially disadvantaged farmers.

     (d)  The commission shall submit an annual report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session.  The annual report shall include equity and practice persistence metrics.

     (e)  The commission shall submit a comprehensive program evaluation to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2028 and every three years thereafter.  The comprehensive program evaluation shall include:

     (1)  Information detailing participation by farm type, size, and demographics;

     (2)  Information detailing the adoption and maintenance rate of any one-time establishment practice or annual management practice;

     (3)  Economic and environmental outcomes;

     (4)  Recommendations for program improvement; and

     (5)  A comparison of the program to similar programs in other states.

     (f)  The commission shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 for the purposes of this section.

     (g)  For the purposes of this section:

     "Annual management practice" means cover cropping; crop rotation and diversification; organic matter amendments, including compost, biochar, and local inputs; rotational grazing systems, efficient nutrient and water management; integrated pest management; conservation tillage; and traditional Native Hawaiian agricultural practices, including loi kalo restoration.

     "One-time establishment practice" means reforestation and agroforestry systems, including windbreaks, living barriers, silviculture, and silvopasture; traditional Native Hawaiian farming restoration; invasive species control and ecosystem restoration; organic waste management and composting infrastructure; water conservation systems; and soil and water conservation structures.

     "Program" means the conservation agriculture and soil health incentive program."

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the climate change mitigation and adaptation commission to establish the conservation agriculture and soil health incentive program.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the climate change mitigation and adaptation commission for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

Climate Change Mitigation and Adaption Commission; Conservation Agriculture and Soil Health Incentive Program; Agriculture; Technical Assistance; Reports; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes a Conservation Agriculture and Soil Health Incentive Program within the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission.  Requires an annual report to the Legislature.  Appropriates funds.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to agriculture.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the State's agricultural sector faces increasing challenges from climate change, soil degradation, and the need for enhanced food security and economic resilience.  The legislature further finds that the department of agriculture and biosecurity has expressed concern regarding its capacity to administer conservation agriculture and soil health incentive programs due to limitations in technical expertise and staffing.  The legislature also finds that the climate change mitigation and adaptation commission possesses land management expertise, conservation planning capacity, and stewardship responsibilities that align with the administration of agricultural conservation and soil health programs.  The legislature additionally finds consolidating existing conservation programs under the climate change mitigation and adaptation commission will eliminate structural barriers that prevent small and socially disadvantaged farmers from accessing conservation incentives, improve administrative efficiency and coordination of statewide agricultural conservation efforts.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish the conservation agriculture and soil health incentive program under the climate change mitigation and adaptation commission.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 225P, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§225P-    Conservation agriculture and soil health incentive program; established; requirements; annual report.  (a)  There is established within the commission a conservation agriculture and soil health incentive program to provide financial assistance and incentives, technical assistance, and education that supports the adoption of science-based conservation practices that improve soil health, water retention, and climate resilience; increase the content of organic matter in soil and carbon sequestration; reduce erosion, nutrient runoff, and reliance on external inputs, including synthetic fertilizers, imported feed, fossil fuels, and globally-sourced raw materials; and support local food production and economic viability.  The program shall support:

     (1)  Equitable access for small and socially disadvantaged farmers;

     (2)  First-time adopters of a one-time establishment practice or annual management practice;

     (3)  Systemic agroecological transitions rather than input substitution;

     (4)  Long-term maintenance and knowledge transfer of farming practices that promote agricultural conservation and soil health;

     (5)  Projects that incorporate traditional Native Hawaiian ecological knowledge and ecocultural restoration; and

     (6)  Projects that generate co-benefits including jobs, food security, water security, biodiversity gains, and invasive species management.

     (b)  In administering the program, the commission shall:

     (1)  Subject to available funding, issue awards and other financial incentives to promote the adoption, application, and maintenance of a one-time establishment practice and annual management practice that advances conservation agriculture; provided that the commission shall award not more than $           to an applicant; provided further that the commission:

          (A)  Shall require an applicant to adopt and maintain a one-time establishment practice or annual management practice for at least one year;

          (B)  May award enhanced assistance to first-time adopters of a one-time establishment practice or annual management practice; and

          (C)  May issue an award or other financial incentive to an applicant providing farmer-to-farmer mentorship;

     (2)  Subject to available funding, contract a public, nonprofit, or private partner to provide technical assistance to a program participant; provided that the commission shall give priority to a partner who is experienced in the State's farming conditions; provided further that pre-application technical assistance shall be available to a farmer at no cost;

     (3)  Upon the request of an applicant, furnish an application in the applicant's primary language;

     (4)  Develop and maintain a database to track eligible agricultural conservation practices, practitioners, acres, and outcomes;

     (5)  Coordinate with the university of Hawaii and relevant federal agencies to evaluate program outcomes; and

     (6)  Beginning January 1, 2028, review and update program procedures every three years.

     (c)  The commission shall prioritize financial and technical assistance for agricultural projects of not more than fifty acres for beginning farmers, Native Hawaiian farmers, and socially disadvantaged farmers.

     (d)  The commission shall submit an annual report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session.  The annual report shall include equity and practice persistence metrics.

     (e)  The commission shall submit a comprehensive program evaluation to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2028 and every three years thereafter.  The comprehensive program evaluation shall include:

     (1)  Information detailing participation by farm type, size, and demographics;

     (2)  Information detailing the adoption and maintenance rate of any one-time establishment practice or annual management practice;

     (3)  Economic and environmental outcomes;

     (4)  Recommendations for program improvement; and

     (5)  A comparison of the program to similar programs in other states.

     (f)  The commission shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 for the purposes of this section.

     (g)  For the purposes of this section:

     "Annual management practice" means cover cropping; crop rotation and diversification; organic matter amendments, including compost, biochar, and local inputs; rotational grazing systems, efficient nutrient and water management; integrated pest management; conservation tillage; and traditional Native Hawaiian agricultural practices, including loi kalo restoration.

     "One-time establishment practice" means reforestation and agroforestry systems, including windbreaks, living barriers, silviculture, and silvopasture; traditional Native Hawaiian farming restoration; invasive species control and ecosystem restoration; organic waste management and composting infrastructure; water conservation systems; and soil and water conservation structures.

     "Program" means the conservation agriculture and soil health incentive program."

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1,500,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the climate change mitigation and adaptation commission to establish the conservation agriculture and soil health incentive program.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the climate change mitigation and adaptation commission for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.

Report Title:

Climate Change Mitigation and Adaption Commission; Conservation Agriculture and Soil Health Incentive Program; Agriculture; Technical Assistance; Reports; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes a Conservation Agriculture and Soil Health Incentive Program within the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission.  Requires an annual report to the Legislature.  Appropriates funds.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  165-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2026

RE:   H.B. No. 1621

      H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committees on Agriculture & Food Systems and Energy & Environmental Protection, to which was referred H.B. No. 1621 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE,"

beg leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to establish and appropriate funds for a Conservation Agriculture and Soil Health Incentive Program within the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission to provide assistance to farmers that supports science-based conservation practices.

     Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity; Hawaiʻi Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission; University of Hawaiʻi College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience; County of Hawaiʻi Department of Research and Development; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; Kanalani Ohana Farm; Carbon Cashback Hawaiʻi; 350Hawaii.org; Hawaiʻi Alliance for Progressive Action; Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United; The Nature Conservancy, Hawaiʻi and Palmyra; Citizens Climate Lobby–Hawaii; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Green Party of Hawaiʻi; and numerous individuals.

     Your Committees find that Hawaii's agricultural sector is facing growing challenges from climate change, soil degradation, and the need for food security and economic resilience.  Your Committees further find that the Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission (Commission) demonstrates substantial expertise in land management, conservation planning, and stewardship duties, which correspond with the administration of conservation agriculture and soil health initiatives.  Your Committees believe that consolidating existing conservation efforts under the Commission through a Conservation Agriculture and Soil Health Incentive Program will remove structural barriers that prevent small farms and socially disadvantaged farmers from accessing conservation incentives.

     Your Committees have amended this measure by:

     (1)  Changing the appropriation to an unspecified amount;

     (2)  Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

     (3)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

     Your Committees respectfully request your Committee on Finance, should it deliberate on this measure, to consider an appropriation amount of $1,500,000 for the establishment of the Conservation Agriculture and Soil Health Incentive Program.

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Agriculture & Food Systems and Energy & Environmental Protection that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1621, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1621, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Agriculture & Food Systems and Energy & Environmental Protection,