HI HB1997

Creates a K-12 agriculture workforce development pipeline initiative within the department to conduct training sessions for teachers and school administrators on all six islands (Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Kauai) regarding agricultural self-sufficiency.

Establishes a coordinator position appointed by the director, who may hire a workforce development specialist and develop scholarships, travel offsets, course credits, and stipends.

Requires training course material to be approved by the Hawaii agriculture workforce advisory board established under section 371-19.

Mandates annual legislative reports on the initiative's activities.

Appropriates $200,000 from general revenues for fiscal year 2016-2017 to fund the initiative's development, operation, implementation, and coordinator position (1.0 FTE).