Bill > HB1953

This bill establishes a two-year Conservation and Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Pilot Program within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, aiming to address challenges faced by Hawaii's farmers and land stewards in adopting conservation practices due to federal programs not aligning with local needs. The program will offer training incentives, such as stipends for completing conservation training and workshops on topics like soil health and climate-smart agriculture, as well as cost-share support for implementing practices like cover cropping and erosion control, and funding for small-scale conservation infrastructure such as composting systems. The department can contract with non-profits experienced in administering similar programs, and eligible participants include farmers, ranchers, landowners, and conservation organizations. The program is set to conclude on June 30, 2028, and the department is required to report to the Legislature by the 2027 session on the program's outcomes, including participant numbers, acres impacted, practices funded, and environmental benefits, along with recommendations for its future. Funds are appropriated for the 2026-2027 fiscal year to implement the program, which will become effective on July 1, 3000.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1953&year=2026