Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SB663

Introduced
1/17/25  
Refer
1/23/25  

Caption

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

Impact

The enactment of SB663 will lead to the establishment of eight full-time equivalent (FTE) agricultural technician positions and four FTE community coordinator positions. This initiative is expected to enhance the college's ability to conduct pertinent research that addresses agricultural challenges faced by the state. It will also improve community engagement by creating roles that facilitate connections between university research and local farming practices, promoting sustainable agricultural development.

Summary

SB663 aims to appropriate funds to establish new positions within the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR). The primary focus of the bill is to bolster agricultural research and support the state's agriculture industry amid ongoing challenges such as pests, diseases, and climate change. By enhancing CTAHR's capabilities, the bill seeks to foster connections between research efforts and local communities, ultimately providing educational and entrepreneurial opportunities for Hawaii families and children.

Contention

While the bill generally has support for its goals of enhancing agricultural research and community outreach, there may arise discussions regarding the adequacy of the funding appropriated. Skeptics could question whether the resources allocated are sufficient to meet the needs of a growing agriculture sector that faces various environmental pressures. Moreover, there may be debates on the criteria used for funding distribution and the effectiveness of the newly established positions to deliver on the intended objectives.

Companion Bills

HI SB663

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

Previously Filed As

HI SB663

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

HI HB856

Relating To The College Of Tropical Agriculture And Human Resources.

HI HB843

Relating To The College Of Tropical Agriculture And Human Resilience.

HI SB666

Relating To The University Of Hawaii.

HI SB672

Relating To Capital Improvement Projects For The University Of Hawaii.

HI HB779

Relating To Capital Improvement Projects For The University Of Hawaii.

HI SB1604

Relating To The University Of Hawaii.

HI HCR124

Encouraging The Kawaihuelani Center For Hawaiian Language Of The University Of Hawaii At Manoa To Further Provide Learning Resources And Opportunities That Promote Hawaiian Language And Culture.

HI HR120

Encouraging The Kawaihuelani Center For Hawaiian Language Of The University Of Hawaii At Manoa To Further Provide Learning Resources And Opportunities That Promote Hawaiian Language And Culture.

HI SB1502

Relating To The University Of Hawaii.

Similar Bills

HI SB504

Relating To Agriculture.

HI SB504

Relating To Agriculture.

HI SB2335

Relating To Agriculture.

HI HB501

Relating To The Department Of Law Enforcement.

HI SB763

Relating To The Department Of Law Enforcement.

HI HB501

Relating To The Department Of Law Enforcement.

HI SB763

Relating To The Department Of Law Enforcement.

HI SB2320

Relating To Agriculture.