REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TO CONVENE A WORKING GROUP TO DEVELOP A PLAN TO CREATE AN EDUCATIONAL PATHWAY IN THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM TO EQUIP INTERESTED STUDENTS WITH THE NECESSARY ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGE, SKILL SET, EXPERTISE, AND ADVANCEMENT POTENTIAL IN THE FIELD OF MEAT PROCESSING.

This Senate Resolution (SR 72) requests Hawaii's Department of Agriculture to form a working group that will develop an educational pathway at University of Hawaii Community Colleges for meat processing careers. The resolution directly affects students seeking entry-level jobs in meat processing and local meat processing facilities facing workforce shortages. The working group must create curriculum covering food safety, processing techniques, regulatory compliance, sustainability practices, and hands-on training to equip students with skills needed by the industry. The resolution does not create the program itself but asks for a plan to establish it, aligning with state goals for food security and local job growth.