Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HR71

Introduced
3/12/26  

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Education And The University Of Hawaii At Manoa College Of Tropical Agriculture And Human Resilience To Support The Department Of Education's Secondary Agricultural Education Program And The Future Farmers Of America Program.

Impact

The resolution calls for strategic investments in agricultural education, suggesting that improving these programs will directly contribute to ameliorating Hawaii's challenges in food security. With the decline in enrollment in agricultural programs since 2000 attributed to various educational policy changes and funding cuts, HR71 seeks to revive these programs to facilitate a robust agricultural workforce. This effort not only targets improving local education standards but also aims to create a pipeline for students pursuing agricultural careers.

Summary

House Resolution 71 (HR71), proposed by the State of Hawaii, emphasizes the need for the Department of Education and the University of Hawaii at Manoa's College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience to enhance support for the secondary Agricultural Education Program and the Future Farmers of America (FFA) program. This resolution arises from the state’s critical food security concerns, highlighting that over 85% of food consumed in Hawaii is imported. HR71 aims to address this vulnerability by encouraging local agricultural education and workforce development, positioning it as essential for achieving the state's food self-sufficiency goals.

Contention

Notably, HR71 advocates for the deployment of an extension agent within the University of Hawaii at Manoa to enhance educational outreach and agricultural best practices in local schools. This initiative is designed to restore and expand agricultural education in Hawaii, which has faced considerable cuts and policy challenges in recent decades. The resolution serves as a means to tackle ongoing issues within the educational framework while simultaneously addressing the economic aspects of agriculture in the state.

Companion Bills

HI HCR77

Same As Requesting The Department Of Education And The University Of Hawaii At Manoa College Of Tropical Agriculture And Human Resilience To Support The Department Of Education's Secondary Agricultural Education Program And The Future Farmers Of America Program.

HI SR126

Same As Requesting The Department Of Education And The University Of Hawaii At Manoa College Of Tropical Agriculture And Human Resilience To Support The Department Of Education's Secondary Agricultural Education Program And The Future Farmers Of America Program.

Previously Filed As

HI SB663

Relating To The University Of Hawaii College Of Tropical Agriculture And Human Resources.

HI HB843

Relating To The College Of Tropical Agriculture And Human Resilience.

HI HB856

Relating To The College Of Tropical Agriculture And Human Resources.

HI SR71

Requesting The Department Of Agriculture To Establish And Administer A Microbial Algae Soil Products Pilot Program.

HI SR118

Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Transfer Active Agricultural Land Leases Under The Jurisdiction Of The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To The Department Of Agriculture To Support Agriculture In The State.

HI SCR88

Requesting The Department Of Agriculture To Establish And Administer A Microbial Algae Soil Products Pilot Program.

HI SCR142

Requesting The Office Of The Auditor To Conduct An Audit Of The University Of Hawaii At Manoa Athletics Department's Use And Management Of Its Funds.

HI SR160

Requesting The Office Of The Auditor To Conduct An Audit Of The University Of Hawaii At Manoa Athletics Department's Use And Management Of Its Funds.

HI SCR89

Requesting The Department Of Agriculture To Convene A Working Group To Develop A Plan To Create An Educational Pathway In The University Of Hawaii Community College System To Equip Interested Students With The Necessary Entry Level Knowledge, Skill Set, Expertise, And Advancement Potential In The Field Of Meat Processing.

HI SR72

Requesting The Department Of Agriculture To Convene A Working Group To Develop A Plan To Create An Educational Pathway In The University Of Hawaii Community College System To Equip Interested Students With The Necessary Entry Level Knowledge, Skill Set, Expertise, And Advancement Potential In The Field Of Meat Processing.

Similar Bills

HI SB2887

Relating To Agriculture.

HI HB2017

Relating To Agriculture.

HI HB966

Relating To Agricultural Tourism.

HI HB966

Relating To Agricultural Tourism.

HI HB2246

Relating To Agricultural Grant Administration.

HI HB498

Relating To Agricultural Crimes.

HI HB498

Relating To Agricultural Crimes.

NJ S1702

Bans foreign ownership of agricultural or horticultural land and agricultural woodlands in State.