SB 2706: DAB; LCC; DHRD; Agriculture and Biosecurity Workforce Development Pilot Program; Report; Appropriation

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT.

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

     SECTION 1.  (a)  There is established within the department of agriculture and biosecurity, in collaboration with the university of Hawaii's Leeward community college and department of human resources development, a five-year agriculture and biosecurity workforce development pilot program to equip interested students with the necessary entry-level knowledge, skill set, expertise, and advancement potential in the field of agriculture and biosecurity.

     (b)  The agriculture and biosecurity workforce development pilot program shall:

     (1)  Develop a curriculum of a broad spectrum of topics relevant to agriculture and biosecurity;

     (2)  Provide practical, hands-on training and work opportunities that allow students to gain real-world experience in the agriculture and biosecurity sector; provided that the training and provision of work opportunities shall not interfere with the existing operations of the department of agriculture and biosecurity; and

     (3)  Encourage additional training and credential attainment by offering increased compensation to participants who transition into agriculture and biosecurity employment.

     (c)  The department of agriculture and biosecurity, in collaboration with the university of Hawaii's Leeward community college and department of human resources development, shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations on the agriculture and biosecurity workforce development pilot program, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2031.

     SECTION 2.  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 agriculture and biosecurity workforce development pilot program, to be allocated as follows:

     (1)  $           for two full-time equivalent (2.0 FTE) positions to administer the pilot program; and

     (2)  $           for program participants for program registration and fees, supplies, books, and other related expenses.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture and biosecurity for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000, and shall be repealed on June 30, 2031.

Report Title:

DAB; LCC; DHRD; Agriculture and Biosecurity Workforce Development Pilot Program; Report; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes a five-year Agriculture and Biosecurity Workforce Development Pilot Program within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, in collaboration with the University of Hawaii's Leeward Community College and the Department of Human Resources Development.  Requires a report to the Legislature.  Appropriates funds.  Sunsets 6/30/2031.  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 WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT.

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

     SECTION 1.  (a)  There is established within the department of agriculture and biosecurity, in collaboration with the university of Hawaii's Leeward community college and the department of human resources development, a five-year agriculture and biosecurity workforce development pilot program to equip interested students with the necessary entry-level knowledge, skill set, expertise, and advancement potential in the field of agriculture and biosecurity.

     (b)  The agriculture and biosecurity workforce development pilot program shall:

     (1)  Develop a curriculum of a broad spectrum of topics relevant to agriculture and biosecurity;

     (2)  Provide practical, hands-on training and work opportunities that allow students to gain real-world experience in the agriculture and biosecurity sector; provided that the training and provision of work opportunities shall not interfere with the existing operations of the department of agriculture and biosecurity; and

     (3)  Encourage additional training and credential attainment by offering increased compensation to participants who transition into agriculture and biosecurity employment.

     (c)  The department of agriculture and biosecurity, in collaboration with the university of Hawaii's Leeward community college and the department of human resources development, shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations on the agriculture and biosecurity workforce development pilot program, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2031.

     SECTION 2.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050, and shall be repealed on June 30, 2031.

Report Title:

DAB; LCC; DHRD; Agriculture and Biosecurity Workforce Development Pilot Program; Report

Description:

Establishes a five-year Agriculture and Biosecurity Workforce Development Pilot Program within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, in collaboration with the University of Hawaii's Leeward Community College and the Department of Human Resources Development.  Requires a report to the Legislature.  Sunsets 6/30/2031.  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 workforce development.

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

     SECTION 1.  (a)  There is established within the department of agriculture and biosecurity, in collaboration with the university of Hawaii's Leeward community college and the department of human resources development, a five-year agriculture and biosecurity workforce development pilot program to equip interested students with the necessary entry-level knowledge, skill set, expertise, and advancement potential in the field of agriculture and biosecurity.

     (b)  The agriculture and biosecurity workforce development pilot program shall:

     (1)  Develop a curriculum of a broad spectrum of topics relevant to agriculture and biosecurity;

     (2)  Provide practical, hands-on training and work opportunities that allow students to gain real-world experience in the agriculture and biosecurity sector; provided that the training and provision of work opportunities shall not interfere with the existing operations of the department of agriculture and biosecurity; and

     (3)  Encourage additional training and credential attainment by offering increased compensation to participants who transition into biosecurity employment.

     (c)  The department of agriculture and biosecurity, in collaboration with the university of Hawaii's Leeward community college and the department of human resources development, shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations on the agriculture and biosecurity workforce development pilot program, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2031.

     SECTION 2.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval and shall be repealed on June 30, 2031.

Report Title:

DAB; LCC; DHRD; Agriculture and Biosecurity Workforce Development Pilot Program; Report

Description:

Establishes a five-year agriculture and biosecurity workforce development pilot program within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, in collaboration with the University of Hawaii's Leeward Community College and the Department of Human Resources Development.  Requires a report to the Legislature.  Sunsets 6/30/2031.

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. 2735

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:     S.B. No. 2706

        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. 2706, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to support workforce development and provide interested students with hands‑on experience in the fields of agriculture and biosecurity.

More specifically, this measure:

(1)  Establishes a five-year Agriculture and Biosecurity Workforce Pilot Program within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, in collaboration with Leeward Community College and the Department of Human Resources Development;

(2)  Requires the pilot program to develop a broad topical curriculum, provide practical training and work experience, and encourage additional training and credential attainment in topics relevant to agriculture and biosecurity; and

     (3)  Requires a report to the Legislature on the pilot program prior to the 2031 Regular Session.

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Hawaii Farm Bureau, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, Hawaii Food+ Policy, and two individuals.

     Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Department of Human Resources Development.

     Your Committee finds that the State's heightened efforts to promote biosecurity and agricultural self-sufficiency require a robust and well-trained workforce.  Biosecurity and agricultural agencies continue to encounter recruitment challenges because of the specialized education, training, and background experience required for many positions.  Investing in workforce development in agriculture and biosecurity will help support Hawaii's path toward food self-sufficiency and enhanced biosecurity.

     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. 2706, 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. 2643

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:     S.B. No. 2706

        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 Agriculture and Environment and Education, to which was referred S.B. No. 2706 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT,"

beg leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

     (1)  Establish a five-year Agriculture and Biosecurity Workforce Development Pilot Program within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, in collaboration with the University of Hawaii's Leeward Community College and the Department of Human Resources Development; and

     (2)  Require a report to the Legislature.

     Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges, Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau, Hawaiʻi Food+ Policy, and two individuals.

     Your Committees received comments on this measure from Department of Human Resources Development.

     Your Committees find that access to a stable, well-trained workforce is key to maintaining biosecurity efforts across the State.  Biosecurity and agricultural agencies face increasing difficulty recruiting qualified candidates due to the specialized education, training, and background experience required for many positions.  Because these workforce shortages remain one of the most significant challenges facing the agriculture and biosecurity sectors, your Committees believe that intentional workforce investments are critical to mitigate the State's increasing reliance on food importation and weakening biosecurity mechanisms.  This measure will assist the State in achieving its goals, such as doubling local food production, strengthening farm-to-school programs, diversifying the economy, and protecting natural resources.

     Your Committees have amended this measure by:

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

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

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Agriculture and Environment and Education that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2706, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2706, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

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