Hawaii · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
SB 2178: RELATING TO INDUSTRIAL HEMP.
Passed one chamber Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
SB 2178 is a bill introduced in the Hawaii Senate on January 14, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: RELATING TO INDUSTRIAL HEMP. Primary sponsor: Tim Richards (Democratic), Stanley Chang (Democratic), KIDANI, Joy San Buenaventura (Democratic). It lists 3 additional sponsors. Most recent recorded action (March 12, 2026): Pass First Reading.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
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)
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 6
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tim Richards | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 4 |
| Stanley Chang | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 9 |
| KIDANI | Primary sponsor | Not applicable (committee) | — | — |
| Joy San Buenaventura | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 2 |
| Carol Fukunaga | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 11 |
| Troy Hashimoto | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 5 |
| Sharon Moriwaki | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 12 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Pass First Reading
- Referred to AGR/WAL, JHA, FIN, referral sheet 17
- Report Adopted; Passed Third Reading. Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: Senator(s) Gabbard. Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House.
- Received from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 190) in amended form (SD 1).
- Reported from WAM/JDC (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2908) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading.
- One Day Notice 03-10-26.
- 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.
- 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.
- The committee(s) on WAM/JDC will hold a public decision making on 03-04-26 10:35AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference.
- 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.
- Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM/JDC.
- 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.
Showing 12 most recent of 18 actions. Full history