STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1037

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 1503

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 1503, S.D. 1, entitled:

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

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to develop Hawaii's workforce to meet the growing demand for defense-related positions.

Specifically, this measure:

(1) Requires the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to develop and implement training programs, public-private partnerships, funding opportunities, recruitment strategies, and program evaluations and monitoring to develop Hawaii's workforce to meet the needs of the defense industry;

(2) Requires the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to submit a report to the Legislature; and

(3) Appropriates funds.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations; Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Chamber of Commerce Hawaii; Hawaii Military Affairs Council; Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce; and two individuals.

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

Your Committee finds that supporting the workforce needs of the federal government and the local defense industry will help to diversify Hawaii's economy, facilitate employment in high-paying jobs, and help better protect our country.

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 S.B. No. 1503, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

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

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DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair