HI SB2989

Establishes a Healthy Soils Program within the Department of Agriculture to improve soil health and build soil carbon stocks across Hawaii.

Requires the program to create a statewide soil health assessment, provide farmer education and technical assistance, establish soil carbon and water content standards based on greenhouse gas sequestration task force findings, and issue awards and financial incentives for farm management practices.

Sets long-term goals including establishing deadlines for department awards to meet soil health standards, requiring plans for state agricultural land leases, and developing incentive programs for small farmers, ranchers, and landowners to implement carbon-negative actions.

Requires the Department of Agriculture to submit progress reports and recommendations, including proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days before each regular legislative session.

Appropriates $500,000 from general revenues for fiscal year 2022-2023 to establish the program and issue awards and financial incentives; takes effect July 1, 2022.