H.R. 143 Summary

• Urges the University of Hawaii to convene a working group to create a plan for establishing a maritime college within the University of Hawaii System.

• Working group composition includes the University of Hawaii President, Vice President for Academic Strategy, one House member, one Senate member, the Inlandboatman's Union of the Pacific Regional Director, and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 142 President, with ex officio members from Transportation, Comptroller, and Board of Land and Natural Resources offices.

• Working group directed to recommend temporary and permanent campus sites, development of a training fleet, federal grant funding sources, accreditation strategy, curriculum including union apprenticeships, and administrative structure for the maritime college.

• Requires the working group to submit findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation to the Legislature by December 1, 2023.

• Establishes rationale that Hawaii lacks a maritime college despite shortage of licensed mariners and that such a college would provide workforce development and career pathways in maritime industries, marine sciences, and related fields.