HB1205 Summary

• Appropriates $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2025-2026 and $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2026-2027 to develop and increase the defense-related workforce in Hawaii.

• Directs the Workforce Development Council to implement training programs in information technology, cybersecurity, intelligence, data science, and advanced manufacturing in collaboration with educational institutions and industry partners.

• Requires establishment of partnerships with private entities and defense contractors to create internship, apprenticeship, and employer-driven training initiatives.

• Mandates allocation of grants and scholarships to community colleges, universities, and training centers for defense-related career development and student tuition assistance.

• Establishes outreach campaigns targeting underrepresented populations including Native Hawaiians, women, and rural communities, plus program evaluation metrics to measure job placements and participant satisfaction.