HI HB406

Requires the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to develop annual regional economic plans for each county by January 31 of each year, beginning in 2021, identifying regional economic priorities, industry clusters, and available 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 identified priority jobs in healthcare, technical roles, business and finance, information technology, and management.

Specifies that priority jobs must provide a living wage for a family of three with one working adult, and that internship programs must result in degrees or credentials meeting employer entry-level requirements.

Provides up to $1,000 in bonus incentive funding per student per year beginning in fiscal year 2020-2021 for each public school and public charter school where students successfully complete qualified internship programs.

Requires the Department of Education to submit annual reports to the legislature beginning in 2020 on credential types, participating schools, student demographics, and completion rates.