Hawaii Senate Bill SCR186

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/23
• Refer: 3/15/23
• Refer: 3/31/23
• Report Pass: 4/4/23
• Engrossed: 4/5/23
• Refer: 4/11/23
• Report Pass: 4/17/23
• Passed: 4/18/23

Caption

Urging The Department Of Education And Hawaii Association Of Independent Schools To Expand The Revitalization Of The Future Farmers Of America And 4-h Youth Programs To Support Pathways To Agriculture Careers In Hawaii.

Impact

The passage of SCR186 could lead to significant changes in agricultural education within Hawaii. By urging schools to expand their FFA and 4-H programs, the resolution seeks to foster a new generation of skilled workers in the agriculture sector. It recognizes that a lack of young farmers with necessary skills poses a considerable barrier to revitalizing local agriculture. Enhanced programs could provide essential training in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and the arts, preparing students for competitive careers in agriculture and related fields.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution 186 (SCR186) is an initiative urging the Hawaii Department of Education and the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools to enhance and revitalize agricultural education programs, specifically the Future Farmers of America (FFA) and 4-H. The resolution emphasizes the need to support pathways for youth to pursue careers in agriculture, highlighting the importance of education in addressing the state's food security issues. SCR186 aims to address Hawaii's substantial reliance on imported food, which exceeds eighty-five percent, by encouraging local agricultural self-sufficiency among future generations of farmers.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding SCR186 may involve the effectiveness of such educational initiatives in actually increasing the number of skilled agricultural workers in Hawaii. Critics might question whether merely expanding programs and pathways is sufficient to attract and retain youth in agriculture, or if deeper systemic changes are necessary to address underlying issues such as wage competitiveness and job security in the agricultural sector. There may be further discussions regarding resource allocation and the priorities of educational institutions in supporting such programs amidst competing demands.