HI SB2543

Adds occupational training and certification programs as an explicit purpose of the University of Hawaii community colleges, focused on rapidly qualifying individuals for new and hard-to-fill technical positions in the state, counties, and private sector.

Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 304A-1101(b) to include short-term, rapid response occupational and certification programs among the community college system's authorized purposes.

Appropriates an unspecified amount of general revenues for fiscal year 2016-2017 to fund the occupational training and certification programs at the University of Hawaii.

Identifies workforce needs in information technology, security services, health care, and agriculture as examples driving the need for rapid skills training outside traditional degree programs.

Effective date of July 1, 2030.