Report Title:

Department of Labor and Industrial Relations; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates funds to the department of labor and industrial relations to contract for the development and implementation of a program to assist employers with workforce requirements during labor shortages.

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	89
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to EMPLOYER WORKFORCE ASSISTANCE.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the State's economic well-being is adversely affected by the difficulties employers throughout the State are experiencing in finding and retaining qualified workers.  This issue may be partially addressed by providing employers with information related to adjusting their workforce practices during a labor shortage.

     The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to the department of labor and industrial relations to enable it to contract for the design and implementation of a series of internet-based and televised classes directed to employers on topics such as recruiting and advertising; how to set up apprenticeships; employment referral resources; programs to attract, retain, and motivate employees; and information on where to find training classes.  The subject of the classes will be determined by the contract recipient in consultation with the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, the Hawaii Business Roundtable, and the Economic Development Alliance of Hawaii.  The emphasis of the classes will be placed on assisting small businesses.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $150,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2007-2008, and the same sum, or as much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2008-2009, to the department of labor and industrial relations to contract for the design and implementation of a series of electronically-delivered classes to provide employers with non-traditional, innovative concepts and strategies to assist employers in addressing workforce requirements. 

     The contract for services shall provide that:

     (1)  The delivery system of the classes shall:

         (A)  Be designed to provide the information in a manner easily accessible and convenient to employers;

         (B)  Include the use of the Internet and public television; and

         (C)  Provide a mechanism by which questions can be asked by employers and responses can be given by experts in the particular subject area addressed;

     (2)  To the fullest extent possible, the contract recipient shall:

         (A)  Seek additional funding from employers and the county workforce investment boards;

         (B)  Facilitate participation in the training programs by small businesses;

         (C)  Provide for sustainability of the internet resource; and

         (D)  Consult with the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, the Hawaii Business Roundtable, and the Economic Development Alliance of Hawaii with regard to class subject matter;

     (3)  The contract recipient shall be required to provide a plan for approval by the department of labor and industrial relations' workforce development council prior to the release of funds by the department of labor and industrial relations; and

     (4)  To the extent that the sums appropriated by this Act may be inadequate, priority shall be given to an internet-based delivery system.

     SECTION 3.  The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of labor and industrial relations for the purposes of this Act.

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

INTRODUCED BY:

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