STAND. COM. REP. NO. 67

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 376

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Education, to which was referred S.B. No. 376 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to allow students to enroll in career and technical education programs in schools outside the Department of Education service area in which the student resides.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii State Teachers Association. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Education.

Your Committee finds that educational programs specializing in career readiness and technical skills can be effective in preparing students in Hawaii to enter the State's job market. Educational initiatives at schools within the State have been established to develop students' technical skills and prepare them to enter the workforce. However, not all schools offer the same career and technical skills education and there is currently no easy mechanism to allow a student access to these educational opportunities outside of the service area in which they reside. This measure increases access to these programs to ensure that students may gain the necessary skills and experiences that employers in the State are seeking.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Education that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 376 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Education,

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MICHELLE N. KIDANI, Chair