STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2735

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2706

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 2706, S.D. 1, entitled:

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

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to support workforce development and provide interested students with hands‑on experience in the fields of agriculture and biosecurity.

More specifically, this measure:

(1) Establishes a five-year Agriculture and Biosecurity Workforce Pilot Program within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, in collaboration with Leeward Community College and the Department of Human Resources Development;

(2) Requires the pilot program to develop a broad topical curriculum, provide practical training and work experience, and encourage additional training and credential attainment in topics relevant to agriculture and biosecurity; and

(3) Requires a report to the Legislature on the pilot program prior to the 2031 Regular Session.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Hawaii Farm Bureau, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, Hawaii Food+ Policy, and two individuals.

Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Department of Human Resources Development.

Your Committee finds that the State's heightened efforts to promote biosecurity and agricultural self-sufficiency require a robust and well-trained workforce. Biosecurity and agricultural agencies continue to encounter recruitment challenges because of the specialized education, training, and background experience required for many positions. Investing in workforce development in agriculture and biosecurity will help support Hawaii's path toward food self-sufficiency and enhanced biosecurity.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2706, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

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DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair