Bill > HB968

This bill establishes a Healthy Soils Program within the Hawaii Department of Agriculture designed to improve agricultural sustainability and carbon sequestration. The program will create a statewide soil health assessment, provide farmers with education and technical assistance, establish standards for soil carbon and water content, and offer financial incentives for implementing soil-friendly farm management practices. Specifically, the program will develop a list of effective soil health practices, set deadlines for meeting soil health standards, create plans for state-leased agricultural lands, and develop incentive programs for small farmers, ranchers, and landowners to take carbon-negative actions. The department is required to submit an annual report to the legislature detailing the program's status, progress, and recommendations. The bill includes an appropriation of funds for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to support the program's establishment and implementation of awards and financial incentives. While the bill shows an effective date of July 1, 3000 (which is likely a placeholder), this appears to be intended as July 1, 2024 or a similar near-future date.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=968&year=2026