SB 2802: UH; Agricultural Sciences; Bachelor's Program; Appropriation

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the diversification and sustainability of agriculture is vital to the State's future.  A steady supply of workers having the appropriate knowledge is essential to support these goals.  The legislature believes that offering a bachelor degree in agricultural science at the university of Hawaii-West Oahu will help grow the expertise needed to foster sustainable and diversified agriculture in the State.

     The legislature declares that the establishment of a bachelor degree program in agricultural science at the university of Hawaii-West Oahu 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 appropriate funds for the establishment of a bachelor degree program in agricultural science at the university of Hawaii-West Oahu.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $375,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for:

     (1)  The establishment of a bachelor degree program in agricultural science at the university of Hawaii-West Oahu;

     (2)  One full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) position to administer and support the program; and

     (3)  Related supplies and equipment.

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

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.

Report Title:

UH; Agricultural Sciences; Bachelor's Program; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates funds to establish a bachelor's degree program in agricultural science at the University of Hawaii-West Oahu; to fund one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) position; and for supplies and equipment to support the programs.  (CD1)

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 THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the diversification and sustainability of agriculture is vital to the State's future.  A steady supply of workers having the appropriate knowledge to support these goals is essential.  The legislature believes that offering a bachelor of science degree in agricultural science at University of Hawaii-West Oahu will help grow the expertise needed to foster sustainable and diversified agriculture in the State.

     The legislature declares that the establishment of a bachelor of science in agricultural science at University of Hawaii-West Oahu 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 appropriate funds for the establishment of a bachelor of science degree program in agricultural science at University of Hawaii-West Oahu.

     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:

     (1)  The establishment of a bachelor of science degree program in agricultural science at the University of Hawaii-West Oahu;

     (2)       full-time equivalent (     FTE) positions to administer and support the programs; and

     (3)  Related supplies and equipment.

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

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.

Report Title:

UH; Agricultural Sciences; Bachelor's Program; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates funds to establish a Bachelor of Science degree program in Agricultural Science at University of Hawaii-West Oahu; to fund full-time positions; and for supplies and equipment to support the programs.  Effective 7/1/2050.  (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 THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that Hawaii faces a growing labor shortage in the education sector, with the current demand for educators exceeding the supply.  The legislature recommends expanding the capacity of education programs to help reduce the educator workforce shortage.

     The legislature further finds that the State is particularly bearing the brunt of the educator shortage.  Leeward community college currently offers an associate in science degree in teaching and six certificates of competence for various levels of education (Certificate of Competence, Alternative Certification in Teaching (Track I); Certificate of Competence, Alternative Certification in Teaching (Track II); Certificate of Competence, Culturally Responsive Teaching; Certificate of Competence, Special/Inclusive Education; Certificate of Competence, Special Education II; and Advanced Professional Certificate in Special Education, PK-12).  Students who earn an associate in science degree in teaching must transfer to a bachelor's degree program in education at a university to complete their education.

     The legislature believes that offering a bachelor of science degree in education at Leeward community college will help increase the supply of educator graduates, reduce the educator workforce shortage, and allow students enrolled at the college to complete their entire course of study.

     The legislature also finds that the diversification and sustainability of agriculture is vital to the State's future.  A steady supply of workers having the appropriate knowledge to support these goals is essential.  The legislature believes that offering a bachelor of arts degree in agricultural science at Leeward community college will help grow the expertise needed to foster sustainable and diversified agriculture in the State.

     The legislature declares that the establishment of a bachelor of science degree program in education and a bachelor of arts degree program in agricultural science at Leeward community college 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 appropriate funds for the establishment of a bachelor of science degree program in education and a bachelor of arts degree program in agricultural science at Leeward community college.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $750,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for:

     (1)  The establishment of a bachelor of science degree program in education at Leeward community college;

     (2)  The establishment of a bachelor of arts degree program in agricultural science at Leeward community college;

     (3)  Two full-time equivalent (2.0 FTE) positions to administer and support the programs; and

     (4)  Related supplies and equipment.

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

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.

Report Title:

University of Hawaii; Leeward Community College; Education; Agricultural Sciences; Bachelor's Programs; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates funds to establish bachelor's degree programs in education and in agricultural science at Leeward Community College; to fund two full-time equivalent (2.0 FTE) positions; and for supplies and equipment to support the programs.  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 THe UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that Hawaii faces a growing shortage in the education sector, with the current demand for educators exceeding the supply.  The legislature recommends expanding the capacity of education programs to help reduce the educator workforce shortage.

     The legislature further finds that the State is particularly bearing the brunt of the educator shortage.  Leeward community college currently offers an associate in science degree in teaching and six certificates of competence for various levels of education (Certificate of Competence, Alternative Certification in Teaching (Track I); Certificate of Competence, Alternative Certification in Teaching (Track II); Certificate of Competence, Culturally Responsive Teaching; Certificate of Competence, Special/Inclusive Education; Certificate of Competence, Special Education II; and Advanced Professional Certificate in Special Education, PK-12).  Students who earn an associate in science degree in education must transfer to a bachelor's degree program in education at a university to further and complete their education.

     The legislature believes that offering a bachelor of science degree in education at Leeward community college will help increase the supply of educator graduates, reduce the educator workforce shortage, and allow students enrolled at the college to complete their entire course of study.

     The legislature also finds that the diversification and sustainability of agriculture is vital to the State's future.  A steady supply of workers having the appropriate knowledge to support these goals is essential.  The legislature believes that offering a bachelor of arts degree in agricultural science at Leeward community college will help grow the expertise needed to foster sustainable and diversified agriculture in the State.

     The legislature declares that the establishment of a bachelor of science degree program in education and a bachelor of arts degree program in agricultural science at Leeward community college 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 appropriate moneys for the establishment of a bachelor of science degree program in education and a bachelor of arts degree program in agricultural science at Leeward community college.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $750,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for:

     (1)  The establishment of a bachelor of science degree program in education at Leeward community college;

     (2)  The establishment of a bachelor of arts degree program in agricultural science at Leeward community college;

     (3)  Two full-time equivalent (2.00 FTE) positions to administer and support the programs; and

     (4)  Related supplies and equipment.

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

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.

Report Title:

University of Hawaii; Leeward Community College; Education; Agricultural Sciences; Bachelor's Program; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates moneys to establish bachelor's degree programs in education and in agricultural science at Leeward Community College and to fund 2 FTE positions and supplies to support the programs.

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. 2765

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:     S.B. No. 2802

        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. 2802, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to establish and appropriate moneys for bachelor's degree programs in education and agricultural science at Leeward Community College.

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, and one individual.

     Your Committee finds that both the education and agricultural sectors in the State continue to face shortages of qualified candidates to fill vacant positions.  As the population of farmers and ranchers ages, the agricultural industry sees labor shortages across the agricultural supply chain that create barriers to entry and growth.  Similarly, schools continue to encounter teacher shortages, unfilled vacancies, and frequent turnovers that threaten to impact the services provided to students in Hawaii's schools.  Establishing bachelor's degree programs in education and agricultural sciences will help increase the number of qualified candidates for jobs in these fields and allow program graduates to contribute to their local communities.

     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. 2802, 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. 2584

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:     S.B. No. 2802

        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 Education, to which was referred S.B. No. 2802 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate funds to establish bachelor's degree programs in education and in agricultural science at Leeward Community College to fund two full-time equivalent (2.0 FTE) positions, and form supplies and equipment to support the programs.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity; Hawaiʻi Food+ Policy; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; and two individuals.

     Your Committee received comments on this measure from the University of Hawaiʻi System.

     Your Committee finds that workforce availability remains one of the most significant challenges facing the agricultural industry in the State.  Your Committee further finds that this labor shortage will only be exacerbated in the near future, as the majority of the State's farmers are nearing the age of retirement.  The development of a new agricultural workforce trained in the technical, scientific, and operational skills required for modern agricultural operations is therefore integral to preventing the decline of local food production.  This measure supports a sustainable, safe, and abundant food supply for the State by establishing critical educational pathways.

     Your Committee has 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 record of votes of the members of your Committee on Education that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2802, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2802, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Education,