STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1497-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: S.B. No. 2706

S.D. 1

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Higher Education, to which was referred S.B. No. 2706, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Establish and appropriate funds for a five-year Agriculture and Biosecurity Workforce Development Pilot Program within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, in collaboration with the University of Hawaii's Leeward Community College and the Department of Human Resources Development; and

(2) Require a report to the Legislature.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges; Department of Land and Natural Resources; Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity; Hawaiʻi Food+ Policy; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; and one individual. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Human Resources Development and one individual.

Your Committee finds that workforce shortages remain one of the most significant challenges facing Hawaii's agriculture and biosecurity sectors, especially as Hawaii's farmers and ranchers continue to age, and many multigenerational operations face uncertainties due to the lack of training for the next generation of workers. Your Committee further finds that the Pilot Program's emphasis on curriculum development, hands-on training, and real-world work opportunities aligns with best practices for building career pathways that lead to employment and advancement in the areas of agriculture and biosecurity.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Higher Education that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2706, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Higher Education,

____________________________

ANDREW TAKUYA GARRETT, Chair