HI HB781

Establishes a P-20 agriculture education working group coordinator position within the University of Hawaii at Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources to support development of a statewide coordinated framework for preschool through post-secondary agriculture education.

Directs the existing P-20 agriculture education working group to continue engagement with relevant state departments and develop an implementation plan by December 31, 2018, focusing on teacher training, curriculum integration, staffing, marketing of agricultural careers, and educational access for neighbor islands.

Expands working group membership to include representatives from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations agriculture workforce advisory group, Department of Human Services nutrition assistance program, previous stakeholder meeting participants, and other interested non-profit organizations.

Appropriates $200,000 for fiscal year 2017-2018 and $200,000 for fiscal year 2018-2019 to the University of Hawaii for coordinator salary, interisland travel, and operating expenses.

Takes effect on July 1, 2017.