RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.

SB2110

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

2110

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026

STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating
to agriculture
.

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

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SECTION 1.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.

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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.

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

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�225P-
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Conservation agriculture and soil health
incentive program; established; requirements; annual report.
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(a)
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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.
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The program shall support:

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

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

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(3)
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Systemic agroecological transitions
rather than input substitution;

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

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

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

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

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(1)
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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:

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

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

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

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(2)
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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;

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

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

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

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

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(c)
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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.

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(d)
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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
.
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The annual report shall include equity and practice persistence metrics.

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(e)
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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.
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The comprehensive program evaluation shall
include:

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

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

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(3)
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Economic and environmental outcomes;

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(4)
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Recommendations for program
improvement; and

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

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

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(g)
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For the purposes of this section:

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"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.

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"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.

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

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SECTION
3.
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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.

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

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SECTION
4.
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New statutory material is
underscored.

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

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

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.
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Requires an annual report to the Legislature.
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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.