What's Being Discussed
The Hawaii Association of Conservation Districts (HACD) Executive Board will hold its regular meeting on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at 11:00 AM. The meeting is open to the public via Zoom or in person in Kahului, Maui. Key topics include:

Agency updates from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), including the status of a partnership agreement, federal Farm Bill programs, and office space matters
Conservation program updates from the National Association of Conservation Districts, including the Hawaii Sentinel Landscape and the Laulima Community Conservation Program
Updates from Agricultural Stewardship Hawaii on current projects
State budget cuts affecting conservation districts — including a 10% cut to the current fiscal year budget and potential cuts to the next two-year budget cycle (FY2028–2029)
Progress on recruiting legislative committee volunteers from each island or county
Upcoming student poster and conservation awareness contests, including a December 10 event in Hilo hosted by the Hamakua Soil & Water Conservation District
Planning for future HACD conferences in 2027 (East Hawaii), 2028 (Kauai), and 2029 (Maui)

Decisions Expected

A vote on the 2026 Student Poster Contest entries from Kauai and Maui districts is anticipated soon
Discussion and possible action on responding to state budget reductions

Who Should Pay Attention

Farmers and landowners who participate in conservation or stewardship programs
Soil and water conservation district members statewide
Residents interested in natural resource management and state funding priorities
Students and educators involved in conservation awareness programs