Bill > HB1310

This bill aims to enhance Hawaii's agricultural sustainability by establishing several interconnected initiatives focused on leveraging Filipino immigrant workers and agricultural expertise. The Office of the Governor will be required to create detailed profiles of Filipino immigrants entering Hawaii, collecting data on their demographics, education, and vocational backgrounds, with a report due before the 2026 legislative session. The Department of Agriculture will establish communication lines with Philippine agricultural institutions, including universities and cooperatives, to facilitate technology and knowledge exchange. Additionally, the departments of Labor and Industrial Relations and Human Resources Development will develop a program to bring agricultural workers from the Philippines to Hawaii, considering the interests of labor unions and local agricultural organizations. A hydroponics pilot program will be established on Hawaii island's west side, studying successful models from the Philippines and Israel to potentially expand small, medium, and large hydroponics and drip irrigation projects. The bill appropriates general revenue funds for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to support these initiatives, with the overarching goal of diversifying Hawaii's economy, improving food security, and creating opportunities for agricultural development and immigrant integration.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1310&year=2025