Report Title:

UH; Education; Funding for Interactive Searchable Web-Based Database

Description:

Provides funding to the University of Hawaii to design, research, and develop an interactive searchable web-based database.  (SD1)

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	608
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007		S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO EDUCATION.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that a group attending the Hawaii workforce development council's September 2006, forum identified a need for easy access to information on available training without having to build extensive personal networks.  The group proposed an interactive, searchable web-based database that:

     (1)  Enables employers and employees to find information on classes and training programs that meet their training needs;

     (2)  Enables employers to record their needs for training in defined competencies for specific numbers of employees and time periods; and

     (3)  Enables providers to list their courses in a way that is cross-referenced to the competencies needed by employers.

     Through such a system, employers can help drive the curriculum development process by inputting their needs and using the database to identify providers to meet those training needs.  Simultaneously, providers will be able to plan their curriculum development efforts based on valid demand data, and market their current offerings.

     The purpose of this Act is to provide the University of Hawaii with funding for the research and development of a statewide web-based interactive searchable database that will provide comprehensive workforce training information to employers, employees, and training providers.

     SECTION 2.  The University of Hawaii shall design a statewide web-based interactive searchable database in two phases:

     (1)  Design the website to be able to accommodate reasonable or future modifications and additions; and

     (2)  Build and implement the website.

     The design phase shall incorporate input from training providers, the department of education, the department of labor and industrial relations, the workforce development council, the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, and employers.  The system shall be designed to accept employer needs for varying time periods.  The cost of the design phase shall not exceed fifteen per cent of the total amount of moneys appropriated under this Act.

     The statewide web-based interactive searchable database shall be in service no later than the convening of the 2008 legislature.  If the statewide web-based interactive searchable database is not in service by the convening of the 2008 legislature a status report shall be filed twenty days prior to its convening indicating the database's status and the report shall continue on an annual basis until the database is completed.  The report shall include information regarding whether the funding is adequate and, if necessary, a request for additional funding.

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $50,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2007-2008, to the University of Hawaii to design, research, and develop a statewide web-based interactive searchable database.  The University of Hawaii shall also contract for employment, education, and training from public or private agencies and nonprofit organizations, as needed, to implement and operate the database.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the University of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.

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