Hawaii Senate Bill SCR126

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

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

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Business, Economic Development, And Tourism And The Department Of Labor And Industrial Relations To Co-convene A Working Group To Develop A Comprehensive Plan For Workforce Development With A Focus On The Priority Economic Clusters Established By The Department Of Business, Economic Development, And Tourism, To Meet The Needs Of The State's New Economy.

Impact

The proposed working group is tasked with creating a roadmap for workforce development that considers contemporary workforce trends such as automation and the increasing use of technology in the labor market. It aims to provide data on in-demand occupations, recommend partnerships with private sector industries for job training, and deliver findings that the legislature could use to inform future policies and legislation. The bill emphasizes the need for a coordinated approach to workforce training, which is crucial for adapting Hawaii's labor force to a rapidly evolving economic landscape.

Summary

SCR126, introduced in the State of Hawaii's Thirty-second Legislature in 2023, seeks to enhance workforce development in response to the significant economic changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. The resolution requests the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, to form a working group focused on developing a comprehensive labor strategy. This strategy will prioritize economic clusters identified by the Department of Business and align with the changing demands of the state’s economy.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SCR126 appears largely supportive among legislators, given its aim to address the evolving needs of Hawaii's economy. The bill is viewed as a proactive measure to enhance employment opportunities and ensure that the workforce is well-equipped to meet the demands of new technological advancements. Concerns may arise regarding potential challenges in effectively implementing the proposed strategies and achieving collaboration among the diverse stakeholders involved in workforce development.

Contention

While the resolution reflects a unified recognition of the need for workforce development, notable points of contention may emerge regarding the specifics of the plan. There may be differing opinions on how to prioritize certain economic clusters or the extent of government involvement in directing workforce training efforts. Furthermore, ensuring that the training programs align with both local and federal economic strategies will likely be a topic of ongoing discussion among legislators and stakeholders.