HI HB391

Requires the Hawaii Department of Human Services to establish a two-year infant and toddler child care worker subsidy pilot program within six months of the Act's effective date to retain existing early childhood workers in licensed infant and toddler centers.

Subsidizes wages for lead caregivers, caregivers, and child care aides to ensure participants earn at least $16.00 per hour, funded through the child care grant program special fund.

Limits participation to workers in licensed infant and toddler child care centers only, excluding those employed by the Department of Education, public charter schools, federally funded Early Head Start programs, or private educational institutions.

Requires applicants to demonstrate U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status, current licensing/registration, infant and toddler care provision, compliance with all applicable laws, and allow department access to records for monitoring and evaluation.

Pilot program sunsets on June 30, 2026, with annual reports required to the legislature in 2024 and 2025, and a final report due prior to the 2026 legislative session.