HI HB1796

Establishes a requirement for the Hawaii clean energy initiative program to design and implement a plan from 2025 to 2035 to increase jobs that strengthen emergency preparedness and climate resilience, with priority given to positions meeting or exceeding the self-sufficiency standard.

Requires the plan to include strategies for expanding workforce development and training programs to help workers transition from carbon-heavy jobs to positions in emergency preparedness, climate resilience, and disaster readiness that provide equivalent financial security.

Authorizes the use of the energy security special fund to support workforce development and training programs advancing emergency preparedness and climate resilience goals, including jobs in clean energy, disaster readiness, carbon emission reduction, and sustainable agriculture.

Specifies that funding priority shall be given to jobs meeting or exceeding the self-sufficiency standard established by the department of business, economic development, and tourism.

Takes effect on July 1, 2024.