STAND. COM. REP. NO.  449

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2007

RE:   H.B. No. 1280

      H.D. 2

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2007

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Economic Development & Business Concerns, to which was referred H.B. No. 1280, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO INNOVATION IN WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this bill is to achieve economic diversity and sustainability by developing a highly skilled workforce.  This bill:

     (1)  Establishes a Lifelong Learning Accounts Program to encourage the upgrading of skills of the incumbent workforce;

     (2)  Establishes the Rapid Response Training Program and revolving fund to facilitate rapid customized training for high priority sectors of the business community;

     (3)  Establishes the Kama`aina Come Home Program to attract former Hawaii residents to jobs in Hawaii; and

     (4)  Transfers the Workforce Development Division, Research and Statistics Office, and Workforce Development Council (WDC) from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT).

     The Governor of the State of Hawaii, DBEDT, Department of Taxation, DLIR, University of Hawaii, WDC, Coalition of Hawaii Engineering and Architectural Professionals, Hawaii Science & Technology Council, People Bridge, CTA Solutions, Hagadone Printing, and several concerned individuals testified in support of this bill.  The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii supported the intent of this measure.  ILWU Local 142 offered comments.

     Your Committee has amended this bill by:

     (1)  Deleting the provisions relating to the Lifelong Learning Accounts Program and the Kama`aina Come Home Program; and

     (2)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for clarity, consistency, and style.

     Your Committee finds that developing a skilled workforce encompasses a broad spectrum of training and service needs.  While this bill focuses on knowledge- and innovation-intensive jobs, the needs of job seekers with limited English language skills and work experience must not be overlooked.  It is important that the State address the needs of a wide range of job seekers and that the allocation of limited resources reflects this perspective.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Economic Development & Business Concerns that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1280, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to the Committee on Finance in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1280, H.D. 2.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Economic Development & Business Concerns,

____________________________

KYLE T. YAMASHITA, Chair