HI HB1279

Appropriates unspecified funds to the University of Hawaii West Oahu for fiscal year 2017-2018 to expand sustainable agricultural food production education and training programs.

Authorizes establishment of scholarships for students enrolling in the community food systems concentration at UH West Oahu.

Creates positions for a full-time garden manager and part-time student assistants at the student organic garden to provide job training opportunities.

Directs UH West Oahu to conduct a feasibility study prior to establishing a 200-acre Hawaiian center for sustainable community food systems focused on education, training, outreach, food processing, and research.

Permits the program director to implement additional research projects, host conferences, and employ additional staff and faculty as deemed necessary; effective July 1, 2017.