STAND. COM. REP. NO.1505

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2001

RE: S.C.R. No. 121

 

 

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2001

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Education, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 121 entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING A STUDY ON THE LICENSING OF PRIVATE TRADE, VOCATIONAL OR TECHNICAL SCHOOLS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this concurrent resolution is to request the Auditor to conduct a study on the licensing of private trade, vocational, or technical schools.

Among other things, this concurrent resolution requests the Auditor to:

(1) Investigate potential state liability to determine whether the State should continue the licensure of private trade, vocational, or technical schools, and to assess the potential impact if such regulation were to be repealed;

(2) Recommend alternative strategies to determine their economic impact; and

(3) Investigate, assess the economic impact of, and recommend alternative means of student indemnification.

Your Committee finds that private trade schools offer training and education in a variety of employment opportunities ranging from barbering and cosmetology to massage therapy, travel agency services, air conditioning, automotive mechanics, refrigeration, and food and beverage management. These skills are taught by various schools that lead ultimately to an occupation in services and trades--all important programs in helping the economy of the State. From the licensing point of view, it is important to protect students and consumers so that students receive proper training and can qualify for financial assistance, while consumers are protected from inappropriate services and dishonest trade practices. From the point of view of government oversight of these schools, it is not clear whether and how State involvement should be provided. As such, this concurrent resolution seeks a clarification of the issues by the Auditor.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Education that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 121 and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Education,

____________________________

KEN ITO, Chair