Hawaii House Bill HCR58

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/23
• Refer: 3/10/23
• Report Pass: 3/31/23
• Refer: 3/31/23
• Report Pass: 4/5/23
• Engrossed: 4/5/23
• Refer: 4/11/23
• Report Pass: 4/21/23
• Passed: 4/24/23

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Labor And Industrial Relations To Complete A Comparative Study Of Its Policies On Youth Employment And Federal Requirements For Youth Employment Under The Fair Labor Standards Act And Examine Policies That Will Broaden Work-based Learning Opportunities For Students.

Impact

If enacted, the bill aims to revise current policies and streamline youth employment processes in Hawaii, which currently requires employment certificates and age certifications for minors. HCR58 proposes to align these state requirements more closely with those of other states that do not impose such certifications, potentially broadening access to employment opportunities for minors. It emphasizes the necessity of establishing supportive frameworks to enhance access to work-based learning programs designed to benefit the youth population.

Summary

HCR58 seeks to enhance the landscape of youth employment in Hawaii by requesting the Department of Labor and IndustrialRelations (DLIR) to conduct a comparative study on its policies related to youth employment in light of federal requirements under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The resolution underscores the importance of providing work-based learning opportunities to youth to improve their post-secondary education outcomes and career prospects. It highlights the significant percentage of high school graduates who do not pursue further education and the need for engaging employment pathways for this demographic.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment surrounding HCR58 appears to be positive, with acknowledgment among lawmakers and stakeholders of the benefits of work-based learning for youth. The collaborative approach proposed for the study, which includes partnerships with organizations like Hawaii P-20 and the Chamber of Commerce, indicates a proactive stance in improving workforce readiness for young individuals. However, there may be underlying concerns related to maintaining safety and oversight in youth employment, prompting discussions on how to balance opportunity with protection.

Contention

A notable point of contention linked to HCR58 is the existing requirement for employment certificates in Hawaii, which differs from practices in many states. While supporters of the bill may argue for the need to ease access to employment for youth, critics could raise concerns about potential implications for oversight and youth protection in workplaces. The need to evaluate whether current requirements are more hindering than helpful is central to the discussions, underscoring the delicate balance between increasing employment opportunities and ensuring youth safety in the workforce.