HI HB768

Authorizes the Department of Human Services to establish the Supporting Employment Empowerment Hawaii Work Program to transition welfare recipients into the workforce.

Requires the department to reimburse employers an additional 14% of subsidized wages to cover training and employment-related expenses (unemployment insurance, workers' compensation, and Federal Insurance Contributions Act).

Allows the department to reimburse employers up to $200 per month for assisting employees with transportation to and from work, subject to employer negotiation.

Requires employers to pay prevailing industry wages and provide the same benefits to program participants as offered to employees in similar positions, with wage reimbursement lasting between 6 and 12 months.

Mandates the department contract with a private employment service agency to market the program, process job orders from employers, and provide ongoing support to both employers and employees; allows both part-time (24-30 hours weekly) and full-time (30+ hours weekly) positions.