SB 2178 Hawaii Senate · 2026 Regular Session

RELATING TO INDUSTRIAL HEMP.

Summary

Establishes an Industrial Hemp Program in the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity that includes education and support for non-cannabinoid industrial hemp cultivation and use. Establishes the Industrial Hemp Program Advisory Board to develop a strategic plan to establish and expand the processing infrastructure and commercialization of industrial hemp. Requires the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience to support research and development focused on local adaptation, sustainability, and economic development goals. Requires DAB to promote partnerships with Native Hawaiian practitioners, cooperatives, and aina-based programs. Adopts state building codes for hemp-based materials, including hempcrete. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Mar 2026

Senate Passage

Mar 2026

House Passage

Governor

Introduced Jan 14, 2026 Last action Mar 12, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

SB2178 → SB2178_SD1 · 7 edits

MODERATE

This bill version shifts the industrial hemp program from a state-run system to one aligned with federal oversight by requiring licenses from the USDA instead of the state department. It removes specific state eligibility requirements for applicants, such as age limits and criminal background checks, and deletes the $800,000 appropriation for the program, leaving funding amounts blank. The effective date is moved from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2050, likely to accommodate federal rulemaking. Additionally, the bill removes the requirement for a state-specific strategic plan and modifies the advisory board's composition and purpose to focus on administrative support rather than strategic development.

Scope change

The bill's scope changed from a standalone state regulatory framework to a system dependent on federal (USDA) licensing and rules, effectively removing state authority to set independent eligibility criteria and funding levels.

REQUIREMENT

Licensing authority changed from the State Department of Agriculture to the United States Department of Agriculture.

Removed the mandate for the advisory board to develop a strategic plan for processing infrastructure and commercialization.

ELIGIBILITY

Removed state-specific applicant requirements, including the age limit of 21 and the prohibition on drug felony convictions.

FISCAL

Deleted the specific $800,000 appropriation amount for the industrial hemp special fund, leaving the field blank.

TIMELINE

Changed the effective date of the Act from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2050.

DEFINITION

Added a new definition for 'Licensee' to refer to cultivars licensed by the USDA.

TECHNICAL

Adjusted the advisory board's description to indicate it serves for administrative purposes within the department rather than as an independent strategic body.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Mar 12, 2026

Committee

Referred to AGR/WAL, JHA, FIN, referral sheet 17

lower

Mar 10, 2026

Introduced

Received from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 190) in amended form (SD 1).

lower

Mar 10, 2026

Upper · Passed

Report Adopted; Passed Third Reading. Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: Senator(s) Gabbard. Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House.

upper

Mar 4, 2026

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in WAM were as follows: 13 Aye(s): Senator(s) Dela Cruz, Moriwaki, DeCoite, Elefante, Hashimoto, Inouye, Kanuha, Kidani, Kim, Lee, C., Richards, Wakai, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none.

upper

Mar 4, 2026

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in JDC were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) Rhoads, Gabbard, Chang, San Buenaventura, Awa; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none.

upper

Mar 2, 2026

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on WAM/JDC will hold a public decision making on 03-04-26 10:35AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference.

upper

Feb 20, 2026

Upper · Passed

Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM/JDC.

upper

Feb 20, 2026

Committee

Reported from AEN/EDU/HWN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2481) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM/JDC.

upper

Feb 3, 2026

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on EDU recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in EDU were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) Kim, Kidani, DeCorte; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 2 Excused: Senator(s) Fukunaga, Hashimoto.

upper

Feb 3, 2026

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on HWN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in HWN were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) Richards, Lamosao, Ihara, Keohokalole, DeCorte; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none.

upper

Feb 3, 2026

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on AEN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in AEN were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Gabbard, Richards, Rhoads, Awa; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) DeCoite.

upper

Jan 30, 2026

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on AEN/EDU/HWN has scheduled a public hearing on 02-03-26 1:00PM; Conference Room 224 & Videoconference.

upper

Jan 26, 2026

Committee

Referred to AEN/EDU/HWN, WAM/JDC.

upper

Jan 21, 2026

Introduced

Introduced and passed First Reading.

upper

Jan 14, 2026

Introduced

Pending Introduction.

upper

4 primary · 3 co-sponsors