Bill > HB209

This bill establishes the Hawaii State Fellows Program within the Department of Human Resources Development to create professional development opportunities for recent college graduates in state government. The program will provide full-time, paid fellowship positions lasting ten to eleven months across various state agencies, offering participants hands-on experience in public policy and government work. Eligible applicants must be at least 20 years old, have completed a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA, and be authorized to work in the United States. Applicants will need to submit an online application, personal statement, resume, references, recommendation letters, and transcripts. The program will prioritize candidates 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 creating fellowship roles, establishing administrative policies, promoting the program, and recruiting applicants. The bill requires the department to submit a comprehensive report to the Legislature before the 2026 regular session, detailing the program's participation, accomplishments, and financial expenditures. Funding will be appropriated from general state revenues, and the program is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Labor and Employment

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=209&year=2026