HI HB768

Establishes the Supporting Employment Empowerment Hawaii Work Program (SEEHWP) administered by the Department of Human Services to transition welfare recipients to employment.

Department reimburses employers 14% of subsidized wages to cover training and employment-related expenses, with reimbursement duration between 6-12 months.

Department may reimburse employers up to $200 per month for assisting employees with transportation to and from work.

Department shall prescreen job applicants based on employer needs and qualifications, and may accept both part-time (24-30 hours/week) and full-time (30+ hours/week) positions with no limit on applicants per employer.

Employers must provide selected applicants prevailing industry wages and same benefits as current employees in similar positions; department shall contract with private employment service agency to market program and provide ongoing support.