Hawaii House Bill HR94

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Refer: 3/14/25
• Report Pass: 3/27/25
• Passed: 3/27/25

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Human Resources Development To Establish The Hawaii State Fellows Program.

Future

Looking ahead, HR94 also calls for a report from the Department of Human Resources Development detailing the program's implementation, including the number of fellows, key achievements, and the overall financial performance of the initiative. This report is due twenty days before the commencement of the Regular Session in 2026, emphasizing the accountability measures intended to assess the effectiveness of the program and ensure ongoing legislative support.

Impact

The HR94 resolution encourages the Department of Human Resources Development to implement a fellowship program that spans ten to eleven months. The program will include full-time, paid positions in various state agencies, offering opportunities for young workers to engage in public policy issues and projects significant to the state's governance. By providing structured mentorship and career development seminars, the resolution aims to cultivate a skilled workforce that can contribute effectively to state operations and reduce the hiring and training costs associated with high turnover rates.

Summary

House Resolution 94 (HR94) seeks to address a significant recruitment and retention crisis within public employment in Hawaii by establishing the Hawaii State Fellows Program. Given the reported twenty-four percent public employment vacancy rate and the fact that thirty-one percent of state employees are nearing retirement eligibility, this resolution highlights the urgent need for an innovative approach to workforce development. By creating a program that offers fellowship roles, the bill aims to provide valuable experience for young professionals while simultaneously addressing workforce gaps in state agencies.

Contention

Despite the potential benefits of the HR94 resolution, there may be concerns regarding the funding and administrative support necessary for the program's success. Legislators will likely debate the implications of funding such a program in the context of existing financial commitments and the need for sustainable growth within state employment. Moreover, ensuring that the fellowship program aligns with the goals and needs of various state agencies will be critical to avoid implementing a program that lacks the necessary integration within existing frameworks.