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SB2168
THE SENATE
S.B. NO.
2168
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 food system depends on cultivating a
skilled, culturally grounded, and resilient agricultural workforce.
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While Hawaii imports over eighty per cent of
its food, the State faces a shortage of young farmers and agriculture
professionals.
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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.
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The legislature further finds that
Connecticut's
A
gricultural
S
cience
and
T
echnology
E
ducation 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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SECTION 2.
�
Chapter 302A, 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:
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"
�304A-
�
Kuleana
agtech pathways program; established.
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(a)
�
There is established a kuleana agtech
pathways program to create clear, supported career pipelines in the fields of agriculture
and agricultural technology.
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(b)
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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.
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(c)
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The program shall:
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(1)
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Expand
agricultural science and technology into career and technical education
programs in public high schools and the university of Hawaii system;
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(2)
�
Fund
the professional development and establishment of positions, including
educators and career coordinators, dedicated to sustaining program quality;
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(3)
�
Establish
internship and apprenticeship opportunities with farms, other businesses, and
organizations for program participants;
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(4)
�
Establish
dual credit opportunities for program participants pursuant to sections
302A-401 and 304A‑803;
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(5)
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Train
program participants in climate-smart farming, cultural stewardship, geographic
information systems, drone operations, hydroponics, and entrepreneurship;
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(6)
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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 align with each county's agricultural needs and day-to-day
coordination with local farmers, other businesses, and organizations providing
internships and apprenticeship opportunities; and
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(7)
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Establish
a tiered certification system in the fields of agriculture and agricultural
technology at the high school and community college levels.
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(c)
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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
.
"
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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 $ or so
much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to establish and administer
the kuleana agtech pathways program.
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The sum appropriated shall be expended by
the university of Hawaii 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:
UH; DOE; DAB;
ADC; DLIR; Kuleana AgTech Pathways Program; Regional Hubs; Reports; Appropriation
Description:
Establishes
the Kuleana AgTech Pathways Pilot Program.
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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.
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Requires reports 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.