HI SB327

Authorizes the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to contract with private sector employers and registered apprenticeship program sponsors to provide on-the-job training internships, with reimbursements up to $20.00 per hour for wages

Limits internship contracts to 12 weeks for college/university students (with possible 12-week extension) and 6 weeks for high school students (with possible 8-week summer extension), with employers capped at 5 interns at one time

Requires interns to be Hawaii residents, at least 16 years old, currently enrolled in or recently graduated from public high school or accredited college/university, and pass a criminal background check

Mandates private sector sponsors contribute 50% in cost sharing for benefits including wages and fringe benefits, pay interns at least $20.00 per hour, and provide mentors for on-the-job guidance

Designates the State as the responsible employer for workers' compensation coverage for program participants and requires annual reports to the legislature on program outcomes