Bill > SB162

This bill establishes the Hawaii State Fellows Program within the Department of Human Resources Development to provide full-time, paid fellowship opportunities for recent college graduates in various state government agencies. The program will offer ten to eleven-month positions that provide professional development, hands-on governance experience, leadership training, and mentorship. To be eligible, applicants must be at least 20 years old, have completed a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA, be authorized to work in the United States, and submit a comprehensive application including personal statements, recommendations, and transcripts. The program will give preference to applicants with pre-existing ties to Hawaii or a demonstrated commitment to long-term leadership in the state. The Department of Human Resources Development, in consultation with the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, will coordinate the program's implementation, including establishing fellowship roles, creating administrative policies, promoting the program, and recruiting eligible candidates. The bill requires the department to submit a detailed report to the Legislature before the 2026 regular session, covering program participation, accomplishments, and expenditures. Funds will be appropriated from general state revenues to support the program, which is set to begin on July 1, 2025.

Labor and Employment

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=162&year=2026