HB1708

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that K-12 education plays a critical role in preparing the State's local workforce for stable, lucrative careers in trades, film, and tourism industries. Hawaii's vibrant skilled trade sector comprises 58,470 jobs statewide, and its growing creative sector collectively impacts 49,597 jobs statewide. Tourism represents the largest part of Hawaii's economy, supporting 216,000 jobs statewide.

The legislature finds that there is a disconnect between the needs and expectations of today's employers and the current skills of the State's local workforce. In 2021, the Hawaii Employers Council evaluated national business trends to conclude that 66.4 per cent of businesses report difficulty in hiring employees within their industry. Additionally, within that surveyed group, 79 per cent attribute it to a lack of qualified candidacy. The legislature finds that the way to close this skills gap is to improve job training in K-12 schools and more closely align education to employment.

The purpose of this Act is to require the department of education, in collaboration and consultation with the department of business, economic development, and tourism, the department of labor and industrial relations, the University of Hawaii; and the University of Hawaii Community Colleges, to develop and implement a K-12 curriculum-to-career-pipeline initiative that will prepare students with the skills needed for professional licensing and certifications or college credit to enter the State's workforce upon graduation from high school.

SECTION 2. Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§302A- K-12 curriculum-to-career-pipeline initiative. (a) There shall be created in the department a K-12 curriculum-to-career-pipeline initiative.

(b) The purpose of the K-12 curriculum-to-career-pipeline initiative shall be to enable students to pursue training and qualified experiences, as approved by a school's administration, pertaining to the fields of, trades, film, tourism, and other industries to be determined by the department and accrue credits to complete graduation requirements.

(c) The department shall collaborate and consult with the department of business, economic development, and tourism; the department of labor and industrial relations, the University of Hawaii, and the University of Hawaii Community Colleges, to develop and implement the K-12 curriculum-to-career-pipeline initiative.

(d) The department shall adopt and implement specific training and education programs for trades, film, tourism, and other industries to be determined by the department. In adopting such programs, the department shall build a curriculum track to facilitate transition into post-secondary education at the University of Hawaii and the University of Hawaii Community Colleges.

(e) The department shall offer the followings to satisfy high school graduation requirements:

(1) A reciprocal credit program with the University of Hawaii and the University of Hawaii Community Colleges allowing student eligibility for existing Apprenticeship Training programs;

(2) A reciprocal credit program with the University of Hawaii School of Cinematic Arts, including but not limited to training on film production, editing and motion graphics software, animation, and screen writing;

(3) Internship programs;

(4) Age-appropriate work-based learning activities;

(5) Structured on-the-job learning;

(6) Programs and instruction that ensure students in grades nine to twelve develop skills needed for professional licensing, certifications, and credentialing; and

(7) Opportunities for connections with local workers, employers or experts in the fields.

(f) The department shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 to effectuate the purposes of this section."

SECTION 3. In accordance with section 9 of article VII of the Constitution of the State of Hawaii and sections 37-91 and 37-93, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the legislature has determined that the appropriation contained in this Act will cause the state general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024-2025 to be exceeded by $ or per cent. The reasons for exceeding the general fund expenditure ceiling are that the appropriation made for this Act is necessary to serve the public interest and to meet the need addressed by this Act.

SECTION 4. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 for the purpose of developing and implementing a K-12 curriculum-to-career pipeline initiative.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 5. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2024.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1708
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024
STATE OF HAWAII