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GM 1255

Informing the Legislature that on June 25, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB2802 SD1 HD1 CD1 (ACT 154).

2026 Regular Session

Hawaii funds and launches a new Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Science at UH West Oahu with 375,000 for startup, staffing, and equipment in FY2026-27.

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Bill Summary · GM 1255

Summary of SB2802 CD1 (ACT 154), Hawaii, 2026

Purpose and intent

  • Establishes and funds a new Bachelor of Science degree program in Agricultural Science at the University of Hawaii – West Oahu (UH West Oahu).
  • Declares the program a matter of statewide concern and aligns with goals to diversify and sustain Hawaii’s agriculture.
  • Provides the initial funding and administrative support needed to launch the program.

Key provisions and changes

  • Appropriation: Allocates a total of $375,000 from Hawaii’s general revenues for fiscal year 2026-2027.
    • Use of funds:
    • Establishment of the bachelor degree program in Agricultural Science at UH West Oahu.
    • Funding for 1.0 full-time equivalent (FTE) position to administer and support the program.
    • Related supplies and equipment required to start the program.
  • Administration: The University of Hawaii is responsible for expending the appropriated funds and implementing the program.
  • Effective date: The Act takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Who/what is affected

  • UH West Oahu will be the site of the new Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Science.
  • The university will employ at least one FTE to administer and support the program.
  • State funding is designated specifically for program development, staffing, and necessary equipment.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Legislative history indicates a standard approval process culminating in the Governor’s signature on June 25, 2026.
  • Enactment timeline:
    • July 1, 2026: Effective date.
    • Fiscal year 2026-2027: First year of funding and program establishment.
  • The bill presents the program as a statewide concern, underscoring its importance to Hawaii’s agricultural diversification and sustainability strategies.

Additional context

  • The bill is titled “Relating to the University of Hawaii” and was approved as Act 154 in 2026.
  • The core objective is to foster agricultural expertise in Hawaii by expanding higher education capacity, thereby supporting a resilient and diversified agricultural sector.

If you’d like, I can provide a concise one-page briefing or a legislative impact matrix with stakeholders and potential long-term funding implications.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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