SB2320 • 2026

RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.

Agriculture Budget Education Technology

Active

The official status still shows this bill as active or still awaiting another formal step.

Sponsor: GABBARD, CHANG, HASHIMOTO, KANUHA, MCKELVEY, RICHARDS, SAN BUENAVENTURA
Last action: 2026-05-01
Official status: Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Friday, 05-01-26 at 5:20PM in Conference Room 229.
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

Using official source text because the generated explanation was unavailable or could not be confirmed against the official bill text.

RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.

What This Bill Does

RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.
UH; DOE; DAB; ADC; DLIR; Farmers; Agricultural Careers; Kuleana AgTech Pathways Program; Regional Hubs; Reports; Appropriation ($) 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.

Limits and Unknowns

This entry is temporarily using official source text because the generated explanation could not be confirmed against the official bill text during the last sync.

Amendments

These notes stay tied to the official amendment files and metadata from the legislature.

HD1

Hawaii published version HD1

Plain English: SB2320 HD1 THE SENATE S.B.

SB2320 HD1 THE SENATE S.B.
NO.
2320 THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 S.D.
1 STATE OF HAWAII H.D.

SD1

Hawaii published version SD1

Plain English: SB2320 SD1 THE SENATE S.B.

SB2320 SD1 THE SENATE S.B.
NO.
2320 THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 S.D.
1 STATE OF HAWAII A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE .

Bill History

2026-05-01 H
Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Friday, 05-01-26 at 5:20PM in Conference Room 229.
2026-04-30 H
Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Friday 05-01-26 3:30PM in conference room 229.
2026-04-28 H
Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Thursday 04-30-26 3:15PM in conference room 229.
2026-04-27 S
Conference committee meeting to reconvene on 04-28-26 3:30PM; Conference Room 229.
2026-04-23 S
Conference committee meeting scheduled for 04-24-26 2:50PM; Conference Room 229.
2026-04-22 H
Received notice of Senate conferees (Sen. Com. No. 720).
2026-04-21 S
Senate Conferees Appointed: Kim Chair; Gabbard, Kidani Co-Chairs; DeCorte.
2026-04-21 S
Received notice of appointment of House conferees (Hse. Com. No. 800).
2026-04-21 H
House Conferees Appointed: Chun, Garrett, Kusch Co-Chairs; Matsumoto.
2026-04-16 H
Received notice of disagreement (Sen. Com. No. 710).
2026-04-16 S
Senate disagrees with House amendments.
2026-04-16 S
Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 644).
2026-04-14 H
Passed Third Reading with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Quinlan excused (1). Transmitted to Senate.
2026-04-10 H
Reported from FIN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2084-26), recommending passage on Third Reading.
2026-04-08 H
The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 16 Ayes: Representative(s) Todd, Takenouchi, Hartsfield, Hussey, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Kitagawa, Kusch, Lee, M., Miyake, Morikawa, Perruso, Templo, Yamashita, Alcos, Gedeon, Reyes Oda; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and Excused: none.
2026-04-06 H
Bill scheduled to be heard by FIN on Wednesday, 04-08-26 2:00PM in House conference room 308 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE.
2026-03-30 H
Report adopted; referred to the committee(s) on FIN with none voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Pierick voting no (1) and Representative(s) Cochran, Lowen, Perruso, Quinlan excused (4).
2026-03-30 H
Reported from HED (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1498-26), recommending referral to FIN.
2026-03-25 H
The committee on HED recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 7 Ayes: Representative(s) Garrett, Amato, Kapela, Kila, La Chica, Olds, Souza; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 3 Excused: Representative(s) Evslin, Woodson, Muraoka.
2026-03-20 H
Bill scheduled to be heard by HED on Wednesday, 03-25-26 2:10PM in House conference room 309 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE.
2026-03-20 H
Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on HED with none voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Pierick voting no (1) and Representative(s) Quinlan excused (1).
2026-03-20 H
Reported from AGR (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1248-26) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to HED.
2026-03-18 H
The committee on AGR recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 7 Ayes: Representative(s) Chun, Kusch, Kahaloa, Lowen, Perruso, Quinlan, Matsumoto; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and Excused: none.
2026-03-12 H
Bill scheduled to be heard by AGR on Wednesday, 03-18-26 9:30AM in House conference room 325 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE.
2026-03-12 H
This measure has been deleted from the meeting scheduled on Friday 03-13-26 10:00AM in conference room 325 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE.
2026-03-11 H
Bill scheduled to be heard by AGR on Friday, 03-13-26 10:00AM in House conference room 325 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE.
2026-03-10 H
Referred to AGR, HED, FIN, referral sheet 16
2026-03-10 H
Pass First Reading
2026-03-06 H
Received from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 48) in amended form (SD 1).
2026-03-06 S
Report Adopted; Passed Third Reading. Ayes, 24; Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 1 (Senator(s) Ihara). Transmitted to House.
2026-03-05 S
One Day Notice 03-06-26.
2026-03-05 S
Reported from WAM (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2755) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading.
2026-03-03 S
The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in WAM were as follows: 12 Aye(s): Senator(s) Dela Cruz, Moriwaki, DeCoite, Elefante, Hashimoto, Inouye, Kanuha, Kidani, Kim, Lee, C., Richards, Wakai; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Fevella.
2026-02-25 S
The committee(s) on WAM deferred the measure until 03-03-26 10:15AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference.
2026-02-23 S
The committee(s) on WAM will hold a public decision making on 02-25-26 10:57AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference.
2026-02-20 S
Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM.
2026-02-20 S
Reported from EDU/AEN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2587) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM.
2026-02-18 S
The committee(s) on AEN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in AEN were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Gabbard, Richards, DeCoite, Rhoads; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Awa.
2026-02-18 S
The committee(s) on EDU recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in EDU were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) Kim, Hashimoto, DeCorte; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 2 Excused: Senator(s) Kidani, Fukunaga.
2026-02-12 S
The committee(s) on EDU/AEN has scheduled a public hearing on 02-18-26 4:15PM; Conference Room 224 & Videoconference.
2026-01-26 S
Referred to EDU/AEN, WAM.
2026-01-21 S
Introduced and passed First Reading.
2026-01-15 S
Pending Introduction.

Official Summary Text

RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.
UH; DOE; DAB; ADC; DLIR; Farmers; Agricultural Careers; Kuleana AgTech Pathways Program; Regional Hubs; Reports; Appropriation ($)
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)

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

SB2320

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

2320

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:

����
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
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.
�
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.

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

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.

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