HI SB3296

Establishes a Conservation and Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Pilot Program within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to provide funding and technical assistance for farmers, ranchers, and land managers supporting agricultural production

Provides three categories of support: training incentives with stipends for completing conservation workshops, cost-share funding for implementing practices like cover cropping and erosion control, and infrastructure development funding for composting systems and irrigation improvements

Eligible participants include Hawaii-based farmers, ranchers, cooperatives, conservation organizations, and aina restoration groups, with the department authorized to contract with experienced nonprofits for program administration

Requires the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to report to the legislature by 2027 on program outcomes including participant numbers, acres impacted, practices funded, and recommendations for program continuation

Appropriates an unspecified amount from general revenues for fiscal year 2026-2027, with the program set to repeal on June 30, 2028