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HI HB500

Bill

Status

Introduced

1/21/2025

Primary Sponsor

Kirstin Kahaloa

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Establishes one full-time permanent Educational Support Associate position within the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) Kona Cooperative Extension program

  • Appropriates $76,570 for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same amount for fiscal year 2026-2027 to fund the new position

  • Position will support the coffee and orchard crops extension, applied research program, and the Kona Research Station in Hawaii County

  • Addresses critical support needs for Hawaii's coffee industry, valued at approximately $48.2 million in the 2023-2024 season, which currently has only one CTAHR extension agent statewide

  • Aims to free up grant funding currently used for staff salaries (30-47% of grants) so more resources can go directly to educational events, research, equipment, and farmer support

Legislative Description

Relating To Agriculture.

Appropriations ($)

Last Action

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.

12/8/2025

Committee Referrals

Higher Education1/21/2025

Full Bill Text

No bill text available