Hawaii House Bill HCR141

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/23
• Refer: 3/15/23
• Report Pass: 3/30/23
• Refer: 3/30/23
• Report Pass: 4/5/23
• Engrossed: 4/5/23
• Refer: 4/11/23

Caption

Urging The University Of Hawaii To Convene A Working Group To Create A Plan For The Establishment Of A Maritime College And To Establish A Maritime College.

Impact

The establishment of a maritime college is expected to significantly impact state laws and create a structured pathway for workforce development within the marine industry. By educating local residents, the bill seeks to reduce the need for students to leave Hawaii for maritime training, thus keeping more talent within the state. The college would not only bolster the local economy by creating more highly skilled jobs, but it would also support the critical supply chain infrastructure in Hawaii, strengthening the economic foundation of the state.

Summary

HCR141 is a House Concurrent Resolution urging the University of Hawaii to establish a maritime college. The resolution emphasizes the critical importance of the maritime industry to Hawaii's economy, highlighting the shortage of licensed mariners and the necessity for educational programs that provide the required training. The proposed maritime college aims to address this gap by preparing students for careers in various maritime fields and providing degrees and certifications recognized by professional bodies, including the United States Coast Guard.

Contention

While the bill generally garners support, there may be contention surrounding funding, site selection, and curriculum development. The working group tasked with creating the establishment plan must consider various factors, including site location for the college facilities, securing necessary funding sources, and integrating apprenticeship programs. Critics may voice concerns regarding the resource allocation within the University of Hawaii System or the potential impact of a new college on existing educational programs.

Additional_points

The resolution requests the formation of a working group that includes key stakeholders such as university officials, state legislators, and representatives from labor unions. This multi-faceted approach aims to gather input from a diverse range of perspectives, ensuring that the maritime college meets both educational and industry needs. A report detailing the findings and recommendations from the working group is expected to be submitted to the legislature by December 1, 2023.