Bill > HB1206

This bill aims to support Hawaii's defense sector workforce development by appropriating state funds for specific academic positions and programs at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and the University of Hawaii, West Oahu. Recognizing Hawaii's significant defense spending (nearly $9 billion in fiscal year 2022) and growing defense-related job market, the bill allocates $425,000 to the University of Hawaii at Manoa's College of Social Sciences for hiring faculty in international economics, intelligence studies, and supporting a graduate research assistant, as well as $75,000 for a summer intelligence studies program to create a talent pipeline. Additionally, the bill provides $130,000 to the University of Hawaii, West Oahu's Business Administration Department for cybersecurity faculty positions, and $270,000 for student internship programs, certifications, and related expenses. These funds are intended to develop local talent in critical fields such as information technology, cybersecurity, intelligence, and data science, which are increasingly important to Hawaii's economy and defense sector job market. The appropriations are set for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, with the bill taking effect on July 1, 2025.

Business and Industry, Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1206&year=2025