STAND. COM. REP. NO.  136-14

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2014

RE:   H.B. No. 2217

      H.D. 1

Honorable Joseph M. Souki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Seventh State Legislature

Regular Session of 2014

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Economic Development & Business, to which was referred H.B. No. 2217 entitled:

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

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to create a highly skilled labor force to meet the increased workforce needs of industries and occupations having potential for high job growth by:

     (1)  Allowing the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to establish work groups to assist in identifying workforce trends, determining skill sets required for jobs being created or modified, and developing training to prepare qualified workers; and

     (2)  Appropriating an unspecified amount of funds therefor.

The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations and Hawaii Primary Care Association testified in support of this measure.  A concerned individual testified in opposition to this bill.

     The development and rise of new economic industries in Hawaii have created the need for the development of a labor force with various, and often increasingly specialized, skill sets.  Having a qualified workforce with the needed skill sets would support the establishment and growth of new industries and enable businesses to use local workers.  The establishment of work groups to address these workforce needs and solve long-term workforce issues would have a positive impact not only on Hawaii's workforce, but on Hawaii's economy as well.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Changing its effective date to January 20, 2050, to facilitate further discussion; and

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

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Economic Development & Business that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2217, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2217, H.D. 1, and be referred to the Committee on Labor & Public Employment.

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

____________________________

CLIFT TSUJI, Chair