RELATING TO WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT.

SB2198

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

2198

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026

STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

Relating
to workforce development
.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

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SECTION 1.
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The
legislature finds that the
Meilleur Ouvrier de France
, meaning
"best craftsperson of France", is a historic competition established
in 1924 to recognize and revitalize traditional craftsmanship in France.
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The competition preserves and expands
artisans' knowledge by fostering competition and publicly elevating craftsmanship.
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The
Meilleur Ouvrier de France

showcases France's unique culture through a diverse display of traditional
professions in over two hundred categories, including florists, chefs, and
carpenters.

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The legislature notes that those vying for
the
Meilleur Ouvrier de France
title are judged against a standard of
perfection, rather than against each other, allowing for multiple or no awardees.
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Winners of the competition are hosted by the
French President at the Elysee Palace, where they are awarded a medal and state
diploma.
�
Meilleur Ouvrier de France

titles are awarded for life, christening winners as custodians of their trade
and tasking them with the preservation and generational sharing of their
knowledge.

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The legislature further finds that Hawaii also
has a rich history of fine craftsmanship and is home to a wide variety of
tradespersons.
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The legislature
recognizes preserving cultural knowledge and promoting alternative career paths
to diversify the economy as key priorities for the State.

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Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to require
the department of labor and industrial relations to study the establishment of
a workforce excellence award program for craftspersons to demonstrate the
State's dedication to preserving its significant cultural history and promote
future participation in potentially dwindling trades.

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SECTION 2.
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(a)
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The department of labor and
industrial relations shall conduct a study, with industry input, on the
establishment of a workforce excellence award program recognizing craftspersons
in the State, under which nominations are collected from the public and annual
awards are presented by the governor at a historically significant venue.

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(b)
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The department of labor and industrial relations shall research, assess,
and make recommendations on:

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(1)
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A
Hawaii workforce excellence award program similar to the
Meilleur Ouvrier de
France
and how it may best be adapted to suit the State;

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(2)
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Key
industries to include in the Hawaii workforce excellence award program; and

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(3)
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Cost-effective
means of adopting the Hawaii workforce excellence award program.

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(c)
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The department of labor and industrial relations shall submit a report
of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the
legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular
session of
2027.

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SECTION 3.
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There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii
the sum of $ or so
much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to conduct a study
on the establishment of a Hawaii workforce excellence award program.

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The sum appropriated shall be expended by
the department of labor and industrial relations for the purposes of this Act.

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SECTION 4.
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This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:

DLIR; Hawaii
Workforce Excellence Award Program; Study; Report; Appropriation

Description:

Requires
the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to study the establishment of
a Hawaii Workforce Excellence Award Program.
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Requires a report to the Legislature.
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Appropriates funds.

The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.