Report Title:

Emergency Environmental Workforce; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates funds to continue the emergency environmental workforce program.

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

505

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2003

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

making an appropriation for the emergency environmental workforce.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, have continued to affect the lives of Americans. Through Act 4, Third Special Session Laws of Hawaii 2001, the legislature established an emergency environmental workforce for short-term employment for individuals who have lost their jobs because of Hawaii's recent economic downturn. The emergency environmental workforce has made great strides in addressing public health issues in the State, by increasing public awareness and reducing potentially harmful environmental factors. In addition, the workforce has provided an important avenue for economic development in the State by creating a new source of employment for our residents. During the 2002 regular session, the legislature passed legislation to appropriate funds for the workforce, but the measure was vetoed by the governor.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to continue the efforts of the emergency environmental workforce to improve the State's economy by employing citizens to protect the environment.

The State is responsible for funds necessary to cover the unemployment claims on behalf of the employees hired through the emergency environmental workforce. The research corporation of the University of Hawaii shall contribute to the State the current fringe cost charged to the appropriation for unemployment insurance.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ , or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2003-2004, to continue the emergency environmental workforce established under Act 4, Third Special Session Laws of Hawaii 2001.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the research corporation of the University of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. The department of land and natural resources, department of health, and department of agriculture shall work with the research corporation of the University of Hawaii to effectively deploy the workforce.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2003.

INTRODUCED BY:

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