HI SB2527

Establishes the Hawaii Employment Advancement Right Now (EARN Hawaii) program within the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to provide competitive grants for industry-led workforce development partnerships in target industries.

Authorizes EARN Hawaii grants to support strategic industry partnerships, workforce training programs that result in credentials or identifiable skills, and job readiness training including GED preparation, literacy advancement, financial coaching, and child care support.

Requires the department to develop a state employment advancement strategy identifying skilled positions needed in state government and mechanisms to provide incumbent state employees with access to skills training programs.

Mandates creation of a statewide "Train Hawaii" website to promote available training programs in the state and requires annual reporting to the legislature on program findings, training needs, participant demographics, and partnership status.

Appropriates general revenues for fiscal year 2016-2017 to fund the EARN Hawaii program, effective upon approval with appropriations taking effect July 1, 2016.