STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2217

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2023

RE: S.C.R. No. 121

S.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Labor & Government Operations, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 121, S.D. 1, entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS TO IDENTIFY STATE JOB CLASSIFICATIONS FOR WHICH A DEGREE OR CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION CERTIFICATE FROM A COMMUNITY COLLEGE MAY SUBSTITUTE FOR AN ASSOCIATE OF ARTS DEGREE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to urge the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to identify state job classifications for which a degree or career and technical education certificate from a community college may substitute for an associate of arts degree.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Hawai'i State Teachers Association and Hawai'i P-20 Partnerships for Education.

Your Committee finds that a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Certificate not only provides academic and technical skills but training that allows for success in future careers; Additionally, a CTE very closely resembles an Associate of Arts (AA) degree and that community college CTE programs are beneficial options for individuals who are from economically disadvantaged families, individuals experiencing homelessness and others who might otherwise be underemployed or unemployed. This measure supports and buoys these individuals and offers another avenue of education and thus future job positions.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Labor & Government Operations that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 121, S.D. 1, and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Labor & Government Operations,

____________________________

SCOT Z. MATAYOSHI, Chair