SB 666 Hawaii Senate · 2026 Regular Session

RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII.

Summary

Converts two temporary Farm-to-School extension agent positions within the University of Hawaii at Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience into permanent positions. Establishes an Agriculture Education Coordinator position. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/31/2050. (SD1)

Issues: ✓ Education

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2025

Committee Review

Feb 2025

Senate Passage

Feb 2025

House Passage

Governor

Introduced Jan 17, 2025 Last action Dec 8, 2025

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

SB666 → SB666_SD1 · 3 edits

MINOR

The bill was amended to change the name of the university department from 'College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources' to 'College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience' throughout the text. Additionally, a new subsection was added to explicitly declare the creation of permanent positions and a new coordinator role as a matter of statewide concern under the state constitution. The effective date of the law was significantly delayed from July 1, 2025, to July 31, 2050.

Scope change

The bill's scope is now formally recognized as a matter of statewide concern due to the addition of a constitutional reference regarding the conversion of temporary positions to permanent ones.

DEFINITION

The name of the university department was changed from 'College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources' to 'College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience' in multiple sections.

REQUIREMENT

A new provision was added stating that converting temporary educator positions to permanent ones and establishing a new coordinator position is a matter of statewide concern pursuant to the Hawaii State Constitution.

TIMELINE

The effective date of the Act was changed from July 1, 2025, to July 31, 2050.

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

Feb 12, 2025

Upper · Passed

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

upper

Feb 12, 2025

Committee

Reported from HRE (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 310) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM.

upper

Jan 30, 2025

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on HRE recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in HRE were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Kim, Fukunaga, Hashimoto, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Kidani.

upper

Jan 27, 2025

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on HRE has scheduled a public hearing on 01-30-25 3:05PM; Conference Room 229 & Videoconference.

upper

Jan 23, 2025

Committee

Referred to HRE, WAM.

upper

Jan 17, 2025

Introduced

Introduced.

upper

4 primary · 0 co-sponsors