HI HB2416

Directs the University of Hawaii Community College System, along with Honolulu Community College and Windward Community College, to conduct a comprehensive study and develop a plan for a state-sponsored maritime youth apprenticeship program for individuals ages 16-24.

Requires the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, Department of Education, and Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to provide workforce and enrollment data to support the study.

Study must address curriculum alignment with career and technical education, federal apprenticeship standards, employer engagement strategies, resource requirements, funding models, and implementation options including pilot phases and scalability.

Report with findings, recommendations, proposed program structure, estimated costs, and any proposed legislation due to the legislature no later than 20 days before the 2027 regular session.

Appropriates unspecified general fund amounts for fiscal year 2026-2027 to cover study costs, temporary project coordinator, data consultants, and statewide industry workshops.