Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HCR142

Introduced
3/10/23  
Refer
3/15/23  
Report Pass
3/30/23  
Refer
3/30/23  
Report Pass
4/5/23  
Engrossed
4/5/23  

Caption

Requesting The University Of Hawaii At Manoa College Of Tropical Agriculture And Human Resources To Convene A Working Group To Evaluate Updating Its Extension Sites.

Impact

The resolution underscores the necessity for strategic investments to modernize CTAHR's aging infrastructure. It stresses that without such investments, the effectiveness of CTAHR in addressing agricultural research and education needs will deteriorate, which may adversely affect the agricultural sector in Hawaii. By convening a working group, HCR142 aims to foster collaboration among stakeholders and promote the advancement of agricultural research facilities through legislative and potential federal support.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 142 (HCR142) requests the University of Hawaii at Manoa's College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) to convene a working group aimed at evaluating and updating its agricultural extension sites. The resolution highlights the critical role of CTAHR, which manages eighteen agricultural research stations throughout Hawaii, in fulfilling the diverse educational and research needs of local communities and growers. These facilities have been underfunded and face significant maintenance challenges, hindering their operational effectiveness.

Contention

While HCR142 reflects a collective acknowledgment of the urgency needed to address CTAHR’s infrastructure challenges, it also points to broader discussions regarding resource allocation for educational institutions. There may be varying opinions on how best to prioritize such funding within the state's budget, especially as the resolution implicitly calls for further legislative actions based on the working group's findings. Notably, if adequate investments are not made, there is a risk that Hawaii's agricultural research capabilities will continue to fall behind, impacting local food security and sustainability.

Companion Bills

HI SCR137

Same As Requesting The University Of Hawaii At Manoa College Of Tropical Agriculture And Human Resources To Convene A Working Group To Evaluate Updating Its Cooperative Extension Sites And To Submit A Report To The Legislature Regarding Its Work.

HI HR144

Same As Requesting The University Of Hawaii At Manoa College Of Tropical Agriculture And Human Resources To Convene A Working Group To Evaluate Updating Its Extension Sites.

Similar Bills

US HB1904

Improving Coordination of Agriculture Research and Data ActThis bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish an Agriculture Climate Scientific Research Advisory Committee and a Rural Climate Alliance Network. The advisory committee, within USDA's Office of the Chief Scientist, must review and make recommendations on the agency's long-term and short-term national policies and priorities for (1) data collection for climate-specific agricultural research, extension, education, and economics; and (2) agricultural climate research.The Rural Climate Alliance Network must coordinate the provision of agriculture climate research, climate data, extension, and technical assistance for agricultural producers, the food and agricultural industry, nonprofit organizations, and researchers. The bill defines an agricultural producer as an individual who is engaged in farming, ranching, forestry, aquaculture, or another occupation relating to agriculture.USDA must also submit a report to Congress that includes a long-term strategy for responding to the challenges faced by agricultural producers that may impact agricultural producers' climate change resilience. The report must also include recommendations for further action by federal departments and agencies that are based on best practices.

CA AB1486

Climate resiliency: research farms: grant program.

HI HB1184

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HI HB1184

Relating To Controlled-environment Agriculture.

HI HB1952

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HI SB1158

Relating To Controlled-environment Agriculture.

HI SB1158

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TX HB5339

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