Bill > HB1206

This bill aims to support workforce development in Hawaii's defense sector by appropriating funds for faculty positions and student programs at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and the University of Hawaii, West Oahu. Specifically, the bill provides $425,000 for the University of Hawaii at Manoa's College of Social Sciences to hire two assistant professors in international economics, trade, and security, one professor of practice in intelligence studies, one educational specialist, and a part-time graduate research assistant. An additional $75,000 is allocated for the Academy for Hawaii Intelligence Studies summer program to develop a talent pipeline for the defense sector. At the University of Hawaii, West Oahu's Department of Business Administration, $130,000 is designated for part-time faculty to lead the cybersecurity coordinator center and cybersecurity research laboratory, and $270,000 is provided for student internship programs, certifications, and related expenses. The bill is motivated by Hawaii's significant defense spending of nearly $9 billion in fiscal year 2022 and the growth of defense-related jobs, particularly in fields like information technology, cybersecurity, intelligence, and data science. The appropriations are set for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, with the act taking effect on July 1, 2025.

Business and Industry, Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1206&year=2026