HI HB979

Appropriates funds from general revenues for cybersecurity workforce development education and training programs within the University of Hawaii community college system for fiscal years 2015-2016 and 2016-2017.

Establishes a Cybersecurity Employment Training Initiative to build upon existing cybersecurity degree pathways and related training programs within the University of Hawaii community college system.

Addresses growing demand for qualified cybersecurity employees, with U.S. Pacific Command expecting to hire over 2,000 employees and the National Security Administration planning to hire 700 employees in Hawaii alone.

Responds to private sector demand for cybersecurity workers in Hawaii's financial, health care, insurance, retail, and tourism industries, which currently must recruit from out-of-state applicant pools.

Takes effect on July 1, 2525 (note: specific appropriation amounts are blank in the bill text).