Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2004

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 2197, S.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to establish a school work-study program in the Department of Education to provide students with paid work experience and employers with reliable entry-level workers.

Additionally, this bill is intended to give first priority for participation in the program to students with physical or mental disabilities who are eligible for post-secondary transition services. Furthermore, this measure provides that the student is an employee of the State, and the State is the responsible employer for workers' compensation purposes.

Your Committee finds that this bill gives young adults real work experience and prepares them for entry-level jobs directly out of high school. Moreover, this bill creates a win-win situation for both participating businesses and students.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2197, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.