HB1013

SECTION 1. (a) The legislature finds that a broad definition of "experiential learning" is "knowledge, skills, and/or abilities attained through observation, simulation, and/or participation that provides depth and meaning to learning by engaging the mind and/or body through activity, reflection, and application." Experiential learning can take place in many different settings; and have many objectives. Businesses and organizations provide the learning opportunities—generally a for-profit or not-for-profit business—but government agencies and other organizations may be included.

The scope of services and information that may be provided include:

(1) Career shadowing (students spend time with and observe employees in different occupations);

(2) Tours and field trips, and guest speakers;

(3) Audio/visual and resource materials;

(4) Workplace mentors and advisors for career clubs;

(5) Technical assistance;

(6) Work-study programs, internships, and scholarships;

(7) Jobs and volunteer work; and

(8) Participation in career awareness events, such as fairs, business seminars and conferences, and working with special education students.

The legislature further finds that availability of experiential learning opportunities for Hawaii's K-12 and post-secondary learners will enhance their education and career choices. To that end, development of a database of experiential learning opportunities would assist educators in finding appropriate opportunities for learners, and the number of entities volunteering would increase if the mechanics of volunteering were simplified by linking the database proposed in this Act to existing sites. For instance, the proposed database could link to the Hawaii Science and Technology Council's website that includes a listing of opportunities and members who are willing to provide experiential learning to students.

(b) The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to the University of Hawaii for:

(1) Research and development of a statewide web-based database of experiential learning opportunities; and

(2) A study to identify barriers to business and organizations volunteering to provide experiential learning opportunities to K-12 and post-secondary learners.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $75,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2007-2008, to the University of Hawaii for research and development of a statewide web-based database of experiential learning opportunities in two phases:

(1) Design, for a maximum of fifteen per cent of the total amount provided; and

(2) Develop and implementation, including provisions for future reasonable modifications and additions.

The design phase shall incorporate input from the university system, the department of education, the department of labor and industrial relations, the workforce development council, the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, and other employers and employer associations and interested parties.

The development and implementation phase shall include links to other databases, both public and private, with similar data that may be shared.

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $10,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2007-2008, to the University of Hawaii for a study to identify and determine barriers to businesses and organizations volunteering to provide experiential learning opportunities to K-12 and post-secondary learners. The study shall include:

(1) Consideration of financial liability and insurance restrictions and limitations related to volunteering, particularly with respect to on-site work;

(2) Information on other factors that deter businesses and organizations from volunteering;

(3) Information on incentives needed, if any, to overcome reservations to volunteering; and

(4) Recommendations to overcome the barriers and enlist businesses and organizations to volunteer, including estimated costs if the recommendation requires funding, and the appropriate entities to take responsibility for implementation of the recommendation.

The study shall be undertaken in consultation with the department of education, the Hawaii P-20 initiative, and the workforce development council.

SECTION 4. The sums appropriated in sections 2 and 3 shall be expended by the University of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 5. The University of Hawaii shall submit two separate reports:

(1) One report on its efforts to effectuate the program required under section 2, including recommendations for further action; and

(2) One report on its efforts to effectuate the program required under section 3, including recommendations for further actions,

including recommendations for further action, to the legislature no later than twenty days before the convening of the 2008 session.

SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2007.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1013
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007
STATE OF HAWAII