THE SENATE	S.R. NO.	48
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE RESOLUTION

Requesting the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to Study the ESTABLISHMENT of a Hawaii WORKFORCE EXCELLENCE award program.

WHEREAS, the Meilleur Ouvrier de France, meaning "best craftsperson of France", is a historic competition established in 1924 to recognize and revitalize traditional craftsmanship in France; and

WHEREAS, the competition preserves and expands artisans' knowledge through the fostering of competition and public elevation of craftsmanship; and

WHEREAS, the Meilleur Ouvrier de France showcases France's unique culture through a diverse display of traditional professions, in over two hundred categories, including florists, chefs, and carpenters; and

WHEREAS, those vying for the Meilleur Ouvrier de France title are judged against a standard of perfection, rather than against each other, allowing for multiple or no awardees; and

WHEREAS, winners of the Meilleur Ouvrier de France are awarded a medal and state diploma and hosted by the French President at the Elysee Palace; and

WHEREAS, Meilleur Ouvrier de France titles are awarded for life, christening winners as custodians of their trade and tasking them with the preservation and generational sharing of their knowledge; and

WHEREAS, Hawaii also has a rich history of fine craftsmanship and is home to a wide variety of tradespersons; and

WHEREAS, preserving cultural knowledge and promoting alternative career paths to diversify the economy are key priorities for the State; and

WHEREAS, creating a state award program for craftspersons would demonstrate the State's dedication to preserving its significant cultural history and promote future participation in potentially dwindling trades; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2025, that the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations is requested to conduct a study, with industry input, on the establishment of a Workforce Excellence Award Program recognizing craftspersons in the State, where nominations are collected from the public and annual awards are presented by the Governor at a historically significant venue; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations is requested to research, assess, and make recommendations on:

(1) A Hawaii Workforce Excellence Award Program similar to the Meilleur Ouvrier de France and how it may best be adapted to suit the State;

(2) Key industries to include in the Hawaii Workforce Excellence Award Program; and

(3) Cost-effective means of adopting the Hawaii Workforce Excellence Award Program; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations is requested to submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2026; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Office of the Governor and Director of Labor and Industrial Relations.

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title:

DLIR; Meilleur Ouvrier de France; Craftsmanship; Hawaii Outstanding Workers Award Program