HI HB209

Establishes the Hawaii State Fellows Program within the Department of Human Resources Development to place applicants in full-time, paid fellowship positions across state agencies for 10-11 months

Requires fellows to have a bachelor's degree by September 1 of the fellowship year, minimum 2.5 GPA, be at least 20 years old, and be authorized to work in the United States (F-1 and J-1 visa holders are ineligible)

Program includes career and leadership development training, workshops, seminars, and a mentorship structure with feedback and evaluation mechanisms

Gives preference to applicants with pre-existing ties to Hawaii or demonstrated commitment to long-term leadership in the state

Requires the Department of Human Resources Development to submit a report to the legislature by 20 days before the 2026 regular session on program participation, accomplishments, and expenditures; appropriates unspecified funds for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027