HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2217

TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2014

H.D. 2

STATE OF HAWAII

S.D. 1

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that Hawaii is the most geographically isolated archipelago in the world and has an economy that currently depends on very few and finite resources.  With an economy heavily dependent on the military and tourism, developing dependable industries that will stabilize and grow the economy is vital for the State's continued development.  Emerging industries and technologies, including renewable energy, computer software development, and agriculture, if properly developed with a home-grown workforce, would provide continued stability and economic growth.

     The legislature also finds that, to create conditions that would energize the development of these new economic industries in Hawaii, a partnership consisting of educational and workforce/labor development sources would foster the private-sector confidence necessary for investors to consider developing new industries in Hawaii and ensure the hiring of residents who have been educated in these high-skill, high-wage industries.  Models of coordinated, sustained, and collaborative partnerships directed towards workforce development and training rely on working groups consisting of representatives of specific targeted industries, education, and the workforce community to help identify emerging workforce trends, determine skills required, and develop education and training to produce qualified workers with the necessary skills.  The relationships established through these working groups will be essential to leverage workforce development efforts within these partnerships.  The involvement of a number of organizations that do business in Hawaii and have common needs for workforce development, technologies, and infrastructure will increase efficiency and innovation.

     The legislature further finds that a partnership consisting of educational and workforce/labor development sources will further the Hawaii state plan's objectives and policies for social-cultural advancement and ensure that government attitudes, actions, and services are sensitive to community needs.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 371, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§371-     Workforce development working groups; established.  (a)  The department may establish working groups of industry leaders in industries or occupations having potential for high job growth to assist the department in identifying workforce trends, determining skill sets required for jobs being created or modified, and developing training to prepare qualified workers.

     (b)  If the department establishes any working groups under subsection (a), the department shall include representatives on the working groups from the education, post-secondary education, workforce, and business communities, as appropriate, for specific, targeted occupations or industries.

     (c)  The department may develop training programs to address skill shortages and provide training in the skill sets required for jobs in the occupations or industries identified by the working groups."

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $         or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2014-2015 for the department of labor and industrial relations to establish working groups and design and implement training programs in accordance with this Act.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of labor and industrial relations for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect on January 20, 2050.



 

Report Title:

Workforce Development; Working Groups; Appropriation

 

Description:

Authorizes DLIR to establish working groups to identify high growth industries and workforce needs and to develop training programs.  Appropriates unspecified funds.  Effective 1/20/2050.  (SD1)

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.