HB 773 Summary

• Requires the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to develop annual regional economic plans by January 31 each year for each county identifying economic priorities, industry clusters, and priority jobs (high-demand positions providing living wage for family of three with one working adult).

• Mandates the Workforce Development Council to develop K-16 pathways and programs in all public schools and public charter schools based on regional economic plans, focusing on high-growth industries including health care, technical roles, business and finance, information technology, and management.

• Provides up to $1,000 per student in bonus incentive funds to participating schools for students who complete qualified internship programs or earn industry certifications, with funds usable for program administration and testing fees.

• Exempts qualified internship placements from Hawaii's public procurement code (chapter 103D) if programs meet criteria including post-secondary alignment, minimum wage valuation of student work, adequate case managers, pre-internship training, and safety safeguards.

• Appropriates $500,000 annually for fiscal years 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 ($300,000 for administrative costs and $200,000 for school incentive bonuses) to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; takes effect July 1, 2019.