HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2777

THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to the university of hawaii.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that creating innovation in the State's agricultural industry will provide greater opportunities for local food production and security.  The university of Hawaii college of tropical agriculture and human resources cooperative extension provides valuable resources connecting research and innovation to food sovereignty, food security, food production, and environmental and human resilience.  Extension agents who work with the 4-H youth development support over two hundred thousand youths, or 15.1 per cent of the population aged five through eighteen years.  According to a national study of youth participating in youth organizations, individuals who participate in 4-H are more likely than their peers who participate in youth programs to attend college, study science, graduate, return home, and participate in service within their community as an adult. 

     The legislature further finds that despite the valuable work of extension agents, the number of 4-H youth development faculty or permanent staff has decreased from fifteen full-time equivalent employees to 7.5 full-time equivalent employees since 2000, creating additional challenges for the college of tropical agriculture and human resources to adequately provide staffing needs for youth who are facing unprecedented mental and physical health challenges.  By increasing staffing with cooperative extension programs such as 4-H, the State can achieve its goal to develop a vibrant and skilled workforce while also providing Hawaii's keiki with a healthy community.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to the university of Hawaii for two full-time equivalent (2.0 FTE) extension agent positions within the college of tropical agriculture and human resources to support the 4-H youth development program in Kona, Hawaii county, and Lihue, Kauai county.

     SECTION 2.  In accordance with section 9 of article VII of the Hawaii State Constitution and sections 37-91 and 37-93, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the legislature has determined that the appropriations contained in Act 164, Regular Session of 2023, and this Act will cause the state general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024-2025 to be exceeded by $           or       per cent.  This current declaration takes into account general fund appropriations authorized for fiscal year 2024-2025 in Act 164, Regular Session of 2023, and this Act only.  The reasons for exceeding the general fund expenditure ceiling are that:

     (1)  The appropriation made in this Act is necessary to serve the public interest; and

     (2)  The appropriation made in this Act meets the needs addressed by this Act.

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $200,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 to be expended as follows:

     (1)  $100,000 for the establishment of one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) extension agent at the assistant or associate rank, for the program area of 4-H youth development and intergenerational programming for Kona, Hawaii county; and

     (2)  $100,000 for the establishment of one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) extension agent at the assistant or associate rank, for the program area of 4-H youth development and intergenerational programming for Lihue, Kauai county.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the university of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2024.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

 

 

 

 

 

Report Title:

UH; CTAHR; Cooperative Extension; 4-H Youth Development; Positions; Expenditure Ceiling; Appropriation

 

Description:

Makes an appropriation to the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources for the establishment of two full-time equivalent (2.0 FTE) extension agent positions to support the 4-H Youth Development Program and intergenerational programming in Kona, Hawaii County, and Lihue, Kauai County.  Declares that the general fund expenditure ceiling is exceeded.

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.