Appropriates funds to the University of Hawaii to fund job training programs with organizations qualified to train applicants in natural resources management; eff 7/1/2050. (SD1)

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that, currently, traditional job training programs do not offer training in skills specific for employment in natural resources management. However, a market exists for experienced natural resources workers both at the entry level, as field workers, and at the experienced level, as field supervisors. The legislature further finds that when organizations like the Invasive Species Committees in Hawaii advertises for field staff, the pool of qualified applicants is very small.

The introduction of job training programs in natural resources management could provide necessary training in global positioning systems, global information system databases, and plant recognition. Numerous established organizations in the for-profit and non-profit sectors could serve as potential employers for interns. Many of these organizations conducting natural resources work are small and would benefit greatly from the additional support a paid intern could provide.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to the University of Hawaii to provide funding to organizations qualified in offering training in natural resources management. The University of Hawaii shall select organizations that will provide paid internships and specialized training in natural resources work to enable the interns to gain job experience and knowledge that will greatly increase their ability to obtain full-time employment in natural resources work.

SECTION 2. 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 2006-2007, for the purpose of providing job training to individuals in natural resources management.

SECTION 3. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the University of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act; provided that the moneys appropriated under this Act shall be expended through requests for proposals by organizations qualified in training individuals in natural resources management.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.