RELATING TO A MARITIME YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP PATHWAY PROGRAM.

SB3050

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

3050

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026

STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING
TO A MARITIME YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP PATHWAY PROGRAM
.

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 Hawaii's maritime sector, including shipbuilding and
repair, port and harbor operations, marine transportation, and ocean-based
industries, is essential to the State's economic resilience, supply chain
reliability, and emergency preparedness.

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The legislature further finds that Hawaii
faces persistent workforce shortages in maritime occupations due to an aging
workforce, limited training pipelines, and insufficient exposure of young
people to viable, high-wage career pathways.
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Many young adults lack access to hands-on,
paid training opportunities that lead directly to family-sustaining employment,
contributing to youth out-migration and the loss of local talent.

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The legislature recognizes that maritime
careers provide strong earning potential, transferable technical skills, and
meaningful work closely connected to Hawaii's island geography and ocean-based
economy.
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Expanding structured
apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship pathways for individuals ages sixteen to
twenty-four will create new opportunities for local youth to remain in Hawaii
while entering skilled, in-demand professions.

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The legislature further finds that Honolulu
community college, as part of the university of Hawaii community college
system, has demonstrated expertise in technical education, workforce training,
and apprenticeship-aligned instruction, and is well positioned to lead a
comprehensive, statewide study on the development of a maritime youth
apprenticeship pathway.

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Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to inform
the development of apprenticeship opportunities in maritime occupations by:

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(1)
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Directing
the Honolulu community college to conduct a study and develop a plan for a
state-sponsored maritime youth apprenticeship program;

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(2)
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Establishing
clear accountability and reporting requirements for the study; and

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(3)
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Appropriating
moneys to support this work,

without
prematurely establishing or mandating a permanent program structure.

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SECTION 2.
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(a)
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Honolulu community college
shall conduct a comprehensive study and develop a plan for a state-sponsored maritime
youth apprenticeship program serving individuals sixteen to twenty-four years
of age.

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(b)
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In
conducting the study, Honolulu community college shall partner with:

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(1)
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The
department of business, economic development, and tourism;

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(2)
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The
department of education; and

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(3)
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The
university of Hawaii community college system.

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Honolulu community college shall also
request the participation of maritime industry employers and labor
representatives, including shipyards, port and harbor operators, marine
transportation companies, and marine service providers.

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(c)
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The
study and apprenticeship plan shall include:

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(1)
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A
list of curriculum and instructional requirements that align with secondary and
postsecondary career and technical education opportunities;

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(2)
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An
assessment of how the program will meet state and federal apprenticeship
standards and provide industry‑recognized credentials;

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(3)
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An
outline of the pathway from high school coursework and pre-apprenticeship into
postsecondary training and registered apprenticeships;

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(4)
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An
assessment of employer engagement strategies, including paid on-the-job
training opportunities, mentorships, and work-based learning models;

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(5)
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Any
resource requirements, including faculty and staff, facilities, equipment, and
administrative support;

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(6)
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Any
funding considerations and potential public‑private partnership models;
and

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(7)
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Implementation
options, including discussions of pilot phases, scalability, and geographic
reach.

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SECTION 3.
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Honolulu community college shall submit a report of its findings and
recommendations, including a proposed program structure, estimated costs, implementation
options, and 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
4.
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There is appropriated out of
the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $
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or so much thereof as may be
necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to conduct a study and develop a plan for a
maritime youth apprenticeship program, including faculty and staff needs,
research and analysis, stakeholder engagement, curriculum and pathway design,
and reporting requirements.

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The sum appropriated shall be expended by
the university of Hawaii system for the purposes of this Act.

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SECTION 5.
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This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:

UH; Maritime
Youth Apprenticeship Pathway; Study; Honolulu Community College; Workforce
Development; Appropriation

Description:

Directs
Honolulu Community College, in partnership with state agencies and maritime
employers, to conduct a study and develop a plan for a statewide Maritime Youth
Apprenticeship Program for individuals ages 16 to 24.
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Requires a report to the Legislature with
recommendations on program structure, resource needs, proposed legislation and
implementation options.
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Appropriates moneys.

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