HI HB1859

Requires the Workforce Development Council to develop a comprehensive statewide workforce strategy with a goal of ensuring all Hawaii residents have career pathways by 2045

Strategy must include specific plans and metrics for: work-based learning access, economic resilience, reducing underemployment, expanding living-wage jobs, industry partnerships, and job retention

Addresses demographic concerns including that 75% of surveyed Hawaii residents are considering relocating due to cost of living, and 45% of households fall below the $110,112 family survival budget threshold

Approximately 30% of the estimated 170,000 young residents entering Hawaii's workforce over the next decade will lack viable career opportunities without intervention

Directs the Workforce Development Council to facilitate alignment of workforce programs across state departments and agencies, with authority to convene interagency planning and recommend policy changes