Hawaii Senate Bill SR59

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/22
• Refer: 3/11/22

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Labor And Industrial Relations To Collect Data Relating To The Development Of An Information Technology Workforce In Hawaii, Evaluate The Collected Data, And Develop A Strategy To Provide Better Information Technology Training.

Impact

The resolution emphasizes the need for improved education and training programs to prepare a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of the technology industry. By collecting detailed data on existing training opportunities and the workforce landscape, the Department aims to develop a strategic plan to enhance training efforts. This could lead to increased employment opportunities and potentially higher wages within the tech sector, as the average wage in IT is already significantly above the state's survival wage level.

Summary

Senate Resolution 59 requests the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to collect and evaluate data related to the development of an information technology workforce in Hawaii. This initiative is prompted by the recognition of the significant role that the information technology sector plays in Hawaii's economy, contributing over $2 billion to the state's GDP and growing at a faster rate than other sectors. The resolution acknowledges the current gap between the demand for qualified IT professionals and the availability of trained individuals within the state.

Contention

While the resolution itself does not face significant opposition, there may be discussions around the effectiveness and implementation of the data collection process and how the formulated strategies will be executed. Stakeholders may debate which kinds of programs should be prioritized and how to ensure the future workforce retains talent within Hawaii, especially as national and global competition for IT professionals continues to grow. Overall, the resolution serves as a stepping stone toward a more robust and equitable IT workforce in Hawaii, tackling current skills shortages and preparing for future growth.