STAND. COM. REP. NO. 652

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2025

RE: H.B. No. 549

H.D. 2

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Human Services & Homelessness, to which was referred H.B. No. 549, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AN EARLY LEARNING APPRENTICESHIP GRANT PROGRAM,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to establish and appropriate funds for an Early Learning Apprenticeship Grant Program, to be administered by the University of Hawaii, to assist publicly- or privately-run early learning program service providers participating in state- and federally-approved early learning apprenticeship programs.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Human Services; Office of Hawaiian Affairs; University of Hawai‘i System; Early Learning Board; Executive Office on Early Learning; Department of Community Services of the City and County of Honolulu; American Association of University Women of Hawaii; Keiki O Ka ‘Āina Family Learning Centers; Early Childhood Action Strategy; Hawai‘i Children's Action Network Speaks!; Commit to Keiki; and numerous individuals.

Your Committee finds that access to high-quality early learning programs is essential for fostering childhood development, supporting working families, and strengthening Hawaii's workforce. However, the early learning sector faces a critical shortage of qualified professionals due to challenges in recruitment, retention, and fair compensation. This measure addresses these issues by establishing an Early Learning Apprenticeship Grant Program, which will provide financial assistance to early learning service providers participating in state- and federally-approved apprenticeship programs. By incentivizing participation in these programs, this measure ensures a well-trained workforce, expands access to early learning opportunities, and promotes economic stability for educators and families.

Your Committee has amended this measure by making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Human Services & Homelessness that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 549, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 549, H.D. 2.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Human Services & Homelessness,

____________________________

LISA MARTEN, Chair