Report Title:

Workforce Training; Web-Based Interactive Searchable Database

 

Description:

Provides funding to the University of Hawaii to design, research, and develop a web-based interactive searchable database of workforce training opportunities.  (HB1012 HD1)

 


HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

1012

TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007

H.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO EDUCATION.

 

 

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

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that a group attending the Hawaii workforce development council's September 2006 forum identified a need for easy access to information on available training without having to build extensive personal networks.  The group proposed a web-based interactive searchable database that:

     (1)  Enables employers and employees to find information on classes and training programs that may meet their training needs;

     (2)  Enables employers to record their needs for training in defined competencies for specific numbers of employees and time periods; and

     (3)  Enables providers to list their courses in a way that is cross-referenced to the competencies needed by employers.

     Through such a system, employers can help drive the development of training curriculum by inputting their needs as well as identifying providers that can meet those training needs.  Simultaneously, providers will be able to plan their curriculum development efforts based on valid demand data, and market their current offerings.

     The purpose of this Act is to provide the University of Hawaii with funding to design, research, and develop a statewide web-based interactive searchable database that will provide ready access to workforce training information by employers, employees, and training providers.

     SECTION 2.  The University of Hawaii shall design a statewide web-based interactive searchable database in two phases as follows:

     (1)  Phase 1.  Design the website to be able to accommodate reasonable or future modifications and additions; and

     (2)  Phase 2.  Build and implement the website.

     The design phase shall incorporate input from training providers, the department of education, department of labor and industrial relations, workforce development council, Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, and employers.  The system shall be designed to accept employer needs for varying time periods.  The cost of the design phase shall not exceed fifteen per cent of the total amount of moneys appropriated under this Act.

     The statewide web-based interactive searchable database shall be in service no later than the convening of the regular session of 2008; provided that if the statewide web-based interactive searchable database is not in service by that time, the University of Hawaii shall submit a report of its progress and status no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session until the database is completed.  The report shall include information on the adequacy of the funding provided and, if necessary, a request for additional funding.

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2007-2008 to the University of Hawaii to design, research, and develop a statewide web-based interactive searchable database.  The University of Hawaii shall also contract for employment, education, and training from public or private agencies and nonprofit organizations, as needed, to implement and operate the database.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the University of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2007.