HB 406 Summary

• Requires the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to develop and publish annual regional economic plans by January 31 of each year (starting 2021) for each county identifying regional economic priorities, industry clusters, and priority jobs.

• Directs the Workforce Development Council to consult with the Department of Education and University of Hawaii to develop K-12 pathways and qualified internship programs in public schools aligned with regional industry needs in healthcare, technical roles, business and finance, information technology, and management.

• Specifies that priority jobs must be high-growth positions providing a living wage for an average family of three with one working adult, and that qualified internship programs must result in degrees or credentials meeting employer entry-level requirements.

• Provides up to $1,000 per student bonus incentives for schools for each student completing a qualified internship program, with funds usable for program administration and student credential testing fees.

• Requires the Department of Education to report annually to the legislature (starting 2020) on types of credentials earned, participating schools, student demographics, and completion rates, and appropriates funds for DBEDT to develop the regional economic plans.