HI HB1621

Establishes a Conservation Agriculture and Soil Health Incentive Program within Hawaii's Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission to provide financial assistance, technical support, and education for adopting science-based conservation practices that improve soil health, water retention, and climate resilience.

Prioritizes support for small farms (50 acres or less), beginning farmers, Native Hawaiian farmers, and socially disadvantaged farmers, with enhanced assistance available for first-time adopters of conservation practices.

Eligible practices include cover cropping, crop rotation, compost and biochar amendments, rotational grazing, traditional Native Hawaiian agricultural practices such as loi kalo restoration, agroforestry systems, and water conservation infrastructure.

Requires the commission to provide free pre-application technical assistance, offer applications in applicants' primary languages, and maintain a database tracking conservation practices, practitioners, acres, and outcomes.

Mandates annual legislative reports with equity metrics and comprehensive program evaluations every three years beginning in 2028, comparing outcomes to similar programs in other states.