STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3131

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 2416

H.D. 1

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Education, to which was referred H.B. No. 2416, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO A MARITIME YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP PATHWAY PROGRAM,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Require the University of Hawaii Community College System, in partnership with state agencies and maritime employers, to conduct a study and develop a plan for a statewide Maritime Youth Apprenticeship Pathway Program for individuals ages sixteen to twenty-four;

(2) Require a report to the Legislature with recommendations on program structure, resource needs, proposed legislation and implementation options; and

(3) Appropriate funds.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the University of Hawaiʻi System, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, The Maritime Group, Hawaiʻi Harbors Users Group, Hawaii Ports Maritime Council, Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, Seafarers International Union, and six individuals.

Your Committee finds that an aging workforce and rising demand have compelled maritime employers to import workers to supplement the growing state maritime industry. Establishing multi-level training pathways for local youth to achieve stable, high-wage maritime careers would support the sustainability of the maritime industry and retention of local talent. This measure invests in workforce development to strengthen supply-chain reliability and economic resilience.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Inserting an effective date of July 31, 2055, to encourage further discussion; and

(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

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 H.B. No. 2416, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2416, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

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

________________________________

DONNA MERCADO KIM, Chair