STAND. COM. REP. NO.  439-20

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2020

 

RE:   H.B. No. 2045

      H.D. 1

 

 

 

 

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Lower & Higher Education, to which was referred H.B. No. 2045 entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose of this measure is to allow students to enroll in career and technical programs relating to health care workforce development, including outside of the service area in which they reside.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, Hawaii Primary Care Association, and Hawaii Pacific Health.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Education.

 

     Your Committee finds that a gap exists between the skills that students have upon graduation and the skills that employers are seeking, and for business leaders in Hawaii's expanding industries, it is often difficult to recruit local applicants who have the skills and experience needed.  Your Committee further finds that educational programs specializing in career readiness and technical expertise can be effective in preparing Hawaii students to enter the job market in the State.  The need for these educational initiatives is particularly significant for the development of Hawaii's health care workforce.  This measure expands the number of students receiving career and technical skills education by allowing students to enroll in career and technical programs relating to health care workforce development, regardless of where they reside.

 

     Your Committee has amended this measure by changing its effective date to July 1, 2050.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Lower & Higher Education that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2045, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2045, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

 

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Lower & Higher Education,

 

 

 

 

____________________________

JUSTIN H. WOODSON, Chair