Bill > HB843

This bill addresses critical needs of the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience (CTAHR) at the University of Hawaii at Manoa by providing funding and support for its aging facilities and infrastructure. Recognizing that CTAHR has lost personnel and struggled with deteriorating research stations over the past two decades, the bill aims to appropriate funds for critical repairs, maintenance, demolition, design, and construction at two specific research stations: the Waimanalo research station and the Magoon research station, both located on Oahu. Additionally, the bill seeks to establish new full-time equivalent (FTE) positions, including agricultural technician, community coordinator, and administrative professional technical roles, to strengthen the college's capacity to support agricultural research, extension services, and community engagement. The proposed funding will help CTAHR maintain its important role in supporting local farmers and ranchers through region-specific agricultural research and education. While the specific dollar amounts for appropriations are not specified in the bill text, the funding is intended to be allocated for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, with the bill set to take effect on July 1, 3000 (likely a typographical error that should read 2024 or 2025).

Budget and Finance, Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=843&year=2026