SB 2320: UH; DOE; DAB; ADC; DLIR; Farmers; Agricultural Careers; Kuleana AgTech Pathways Program; Regional Hubs; 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 food system depends on cultivating a skilled, culturally grounded, and resilient agricultural workforce, especially since the State faces a shortage of young farmers and agriculture professionals.  The lack of a strong agricultural workforce pipeline limits the ability of small farms to scale up production and impedes sustainable growth in the State's agricultural sector.

     The legislature further finds that Connecticut's Agricultural Science and Technology Education program, which provides high school students with hands-on technical training, certifications, and direct job placement in a variety of agriculture-related fields through its regional centers, has demonstrated measurable success in building agricultural career pathways.  California has also launched the California AgTech Alliance to establish a statewide platform to connect research, industry, and farmers in a more coordinated way through its nine regional innovation hubs by deploying cutting-edge technology and training the next generation of agricultural workers, ensuring that farms of all sizes, especially small- and mid‑scale operations, have access to the tools and partnerships that keep them productive and sustainable.  The State has a unique opportunity to adapt this proven regional hub model into a culturally grounded, island-specific career pathway system that integrates Native Hawaiian agriculture, regenerative practices, aquaculture, agroforestry, and entrepreneurship.

     The legislature concludes that implementing a kuleana agtech pathways program is a matter of statewide concern pursuant to article X, section 6, of the Hawaii State Constitution.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish a kuleana agtech pathways program in the university of Hawaii system as a statewide initiative to prepare the State's youth for meaningful careers in the fields of agriculture and agricultural technology.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 304A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part I, subpart B, to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§304A-    Kuleana agtech pathways program; established.  (a)  There is established a kuleana agtech pathways program, to be administered by the university of Hawaii, to create clear, supported career pipelines in the fields of agriculture and agricultural technology in the State.

     (b)  The university of Hawaii shall work in conjunction with the department of education, department of agriculture and biosecurity, agribusiness development corporation, department of labor and industrial relations, and appropriate community organizations or entities to develop and administer the kuleana agtech pathways program.

     (c)  The kuleana agtech pathways program shall:

     (1)  Expand agricultural science and technology into career and technical education programs in public high schools and the university of Hawaii system;

     (2)  Fund the professional development and establishment of positions, including educators and career coordinators, dedicated to sustaining program quality;

     (3)  Establish internship and apprenticeship opportunities with farms, other businesses, and organizations for program participants;

     (4)  Establish dual credit opportunities for program participants pursuant to sections 302A-401 and 304A‑803;

     (5)  Train program participants in climate-smart farming, cultural stewardship, geographic information systems, drone operations, hydroponics, and entrepreneurship;

     (6)  Establish an agtech regional hub in at least one public high school or university of Hawaii system campus in each county that provides program participants with education that aligns with each county's agricultural needs and day-to-day coordination with local farmers, other businesses, and organizations providing internships and apprenticeship opportunities; and

     (7)  Establish a tiered certification system in the fields of agriculture and agricultural technology at the high school and community college levels.

     (d)  The university of Hawaii shall submit annual reports of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, on the kuleana agtech pathways program to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session."

     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 establishment and administration of the kuleana agtech pathways program.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the university of Hawaii 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:

UH; DOE; DAB; ADC; DLIR; Farmers; Agricultural Careers; Kuleana AgTech Pathways Program; Regional Hubs; Reports; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes the Kuleana AgTech Pathways Program to create career pipelines in the fields of agriculture and agricultural technology.  Requires the University of Hawaii to collaborate with the Department of Education, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Agribusiness Development Corporation, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, and appropriate community organizations to develop and administer the program.  Requires reports 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 State's food system depends on cultivating a skilled, culturally grounded, and resilient agricultural workforce.  While Hawaii imports over eighty per cent of its food, the State faces a shortage of young farmers and agriculture professionals.  These issues have led to stress for small farms to scale up production, which is only exacerbated by a weak workforce pipeline required for sustainable growth in the State's agricultural sector.

     The legislature further finds that Connecticut's Agricultural Science and Technology Education program, which provides high school students with hands-on technical training, certifications, and direct job placement in a variety of agriculture-related fields through its regional centers, has demonstrated measurable success in building agricultural career pathways.  California has also launched the California AgTech Alliance to establish a statewide platform to connect research, industry, and farmers in a more coordinated way through its nine regional innovation hubs by deploying cutting-edge technology and training the next generation of agricultural workers, ensuring that farms of all sizes, especially small- and mid‑scale operations, have access to the tools and partnerships that keep them productive and sustainable.  The State has a unique opportunity to adapt this proven regional hub model into a culturally grounded, island-specific career pathway system that integrates Native Hawaiian agriculture, regenerative practices, aquaculture, agroforestry, and entrepreneurship.

     The legislature concludes that implementing a kuleana agtech pathways program is a matter of statewide concern pursuant to article X, section 6, of the Hawaii State Constitution.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish a kuleana agtech pathways program in the university of Hawaii system as a statewide initiative to prepare the State's youth for meaningful careers in the fields of agriculture and agricultural technology.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 304A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to subpart B of part I to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§304A-    Kuleana agtech pathways program; established.  (a)  There is established a kuleana agtech pathways program to create clear, supported career pipelines in the fields of agriculture and agricultural technology in the State.

     (b)  The university of Hawaii shall work in conjunction with the department of education, department of agriculture and biosecurity, agribusiness development corporation, department of labor and industrial relations, and appropriate community organizations or entities to develop and administer the program.

     (c)  The program shall:

     (1)  Expand agricultural science and technology into career and technical education programs in public high schools and the university of Hawaii system;

     (2)  Fund the professional development and establishment of positions, including educators and career coordinators, dedicated to sustaining program quality;

     (3)  Establish internship and apprenticeship opportunities with farms, other businesses, and organizations for program participants;

     (4)  Establish dual credit opportunities for program participants pursuant to sections 302A-401 and 304A‑803;

     (5)  Train program participants in climate-smart farming, cultural stewardship, geographic information systems, drone operations, hydroponics, and entrepreneurship;

     (6)  Establish an agtech regional hub in at least one public high school or university of Hawaii system campus in each county that provides program participants with education that aligns with each county's agricultural needs and day-to-day coordination with local farmers, other businesses, and organizations providing internships and apprenticeship opportunities; and

     (7)  Establish a tiered certification system in the fields of agriculture and agricultural technology at the high school and community college levels.

     (d)  The university of Hawaii shall submit annual reports 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."

     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 establishment and administration of the kuleana agtech pathways program.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the university of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.

Report Title:

UH; DOE; DAB; ADC; DLIR; Farmers; Agricultural Careers; Kuleana AgTech Pathways Program; Regional Hubs; Reports; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes the Kuleana AgTech Pathways Program to create career pipelines in the fields of agriculture and agricultural technology.  Requires the University of Hawaii to collaborate with the Department of Education, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Agribusiness Development Corporation, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, and appropriate community organizations to develop and administer the program.  Requires reports to the Legislature.  Appropriates funds.  Effective 7/1/2050.  (SD1)

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 State's food system depends on cultivating a skilled, culturally grounded, and resilient agricultural workforce.  While Hawaii imports over eighty per cent of its food, the State faces a shortage of young farmers and agriculture professionals.  These issues have led to stress for small farms to scale up production, which is only exacerbated by a weak workforce pipeline required for sustainable growth in the State's agricultural sector.

     The legislature further finds that Connecticut's Agricultural Science and Technology Education program, which provides high school students with hands-on technical training, certifications, and direct job placement in a variety of agriculture-related fields through its regional centers, has demonstrated measurable success in building agricultural career pathways.  California has also launched the California Agtech Alliance to establish a statewide platform to connect research, industry, and farmers in a more coordinated way through its nine regional innovation hubs by deploying cutting-edge technology and training the next generation of agricultural workers, ensuring that farmers of all sizes, especially small- and mid‑scale operations, have access to the tools and partnerships that keep them productive and sustainable.  The State has a unique opportunity to adapt this proven regional hub model into a culturally grounded, island-specific career pathway system that integrates Native Hawaiian agriculture, regenerative practices, aquaculture, agroforestry, and entrepreneurship.

     The legislature concludes that implementing a kuleana agtech pathways program is a matter of statewide concern pursuant to article X, section 6 of the Hawaii State Constitution.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish a kuleana agtech pathways program in the university of Hawaii system as a statewide initiative to prepare the State's youth for meaningful careers in the fields of agriculture and agricultural technology.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 304A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to subpart B of part I to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§304A    Kuleana agtech pathways program; established.  (a)  There is established a kuleana agtech pathways program to create clear, supported career pipelines in the fields of agriculture and agricultural technology in the State.

     (b)  The university of Hawaii shall work in conjunction with the department of education, department of agriculture and biosecurity, agribusiness development corporation, department of labor and industrial relations, and appropriate community organizations or entities to develop and administer the program.

     (c)  The program shall:

     (1)  Expand agricultural science and technology into career and technical education programs in public high schools and the university of Hawaii system;

     (2)  Fund the professional development and establishment of positions, including educators and career coordinators, dedicated to sustaining program quality;

     (3)  Establish internship and apprenticeship opportunities with farms, other businesses, and organizations for program participants;

     (4)  Establish dual credit opportunities for program participants pursuant to sections 302A-401 and 304A‑803;

     (5)  Train program participants in climate-smart farming, cultural stewardship, geographic information systems, drone operations, hydroponics, and entrepreneurship;

     (6)  Establish an agtech regional hub in at least one public high school or university of Hawaii system campus in each county that provides program participants with education that aligns with each county's agricultural needs and day-to-day coordination with local farmers, other businesses, and organizations providing internships and apprenticeship opportunities; and

     (7)  Establish a tiered certification system in the fields of agriculture and agricultural technology at the high school and community college levels.

     (d)  The university of Hawaii shall submit annual reports 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."

     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 establishment and administration of the kuleana agtech pathways program.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the university of Hawaii 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:

UH; DOE; DAB; ADC; DLIR; Farmers; Agricultural Careers; Kuleana AgTech Pathways Program; Regional Hubs; Reports; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes the Kuleana AgTech Pathways Pilot Program to create career pipelines in the fields of agriculture and agricultural technology.  Requires the University of Hawaii to collaborate with the Department of Education, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Agribusiness Development Corporation, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, and appropriate community organizations to develop and administer the program.  Requires reports 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. 2755

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:     S.B. No. 2320

        S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 2320, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to strengthen the State's agricultural workforce.

     More specifically, this measure:

     (1)  Establishes the Kuleana AgTech Pathways Program at the University of Hawaii to create career pipelines in the fields of agriculture and agricultural technology;

     (2)  Requires the University of Hawaii to collaborate with the Department of Education, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Agribusiness Development Corporation, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, and appropriate community organizations to develop and administer the program;

     (3)  Requires reports to the Legislature; and

     (4)  Appropriates funds to the University of Hawaii.

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Agribusiness Development Corporation, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Local Food Coalition, and four individuals.

     Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Department of Education and University of Hawaii.

     Your Committee finds that the State's agriculture industry depends on cultivating a skilled, culturally grounded, and resilient agricultural workforce.  Your Committee also finds that, while Hawaii imports over eighty per cent of its food, the State faces a shortage of young farmers and agricultural professionals.  Your Committee further finds that these issues have made it difficult for small farms to scale up production, which is exacerbated by a weak workforce pipeline that is needed for sustainable growth in the State's agricultural sector.

     Your Committee believes that the program established and funded by this measure will help address these workforce shortage issues and support the State's food security.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2320, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2587

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:     S.B. No. 2320

        S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committees on Education and Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred S.B. No. 2320 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE,"

beg leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

     (1)  Establish the Kuleana AgTech Pathways Program to create career pipelines in the fields of agriculture and agricultural technology;

     (2)  Require the University of Hawaii to collaborate with the Department of Education, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Agribusiness Development Corporation, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, and appropriate community organizations to develop and administer the program;

     (3)  Require reports to the Legislature; and

     (4)  Appropriate funds.

     Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Agribusiness Development Corporation, Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau, Local Food Coalition, Hawaiʻi Food+ Policy, and thirteen individuals.

     Your Committees received comments on this measure from the Department of Education.

            Your Committees find that the State's agricultural industry faces continuous workforce shortages and an aging farmer population.  The State's ability to increase food production, strengthen climate resilience, and modernize agriculture therefore depends on building a workforce pipeline that is visible, attainable, and aligned with real jobs.  Other states, including Connecticut and California, have demonstrated the manifold benefits of enacting sustained, structured training pathways for agricultural careers.  This measure will support the long-term viability of local food production, biosecurity efforts, and economic resilience.

     Your Committees have amended this measure by:

     (1)  Inserting an effective date of July 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion; and

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

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Education and Agriculture and Environment that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2320, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2320, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Education and Agriculture and Environment,