STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1243

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 927

Honorable Donna Mercado Kim

President of the Senate

Twenty-Seventh State Legislature

Regular Session of 2013

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 927 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING FUND,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to spur continued economic growth and employment rates throughout the State.

     More specifically, this measure places an emphasis on using employment and training fund moneys to assist small businesses with training programs, in accordance with state and county economic development strategies.

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations and one concerned individual.

     Your Committee received written comments in opposition to this measure from one concerned individual.

     Your Committee finds that small businesses in Hawaii are still suffering from the ongoing impacts of the recent global recession.  Small businesses are struggling to provide necessary training for their employees, which impedes the businesses' ability to remain viable and grow.  This measure would provide assistance to small businesses, increase workers' employability, and further state and county economic development strategies.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 927, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

____________________________

DAVID Y. IGE, Chair