Bill > SB1502

This bill aims to support workforce development in Hawaii's defense sector by appropriating funds to the University of Hawaii West Oahu's Business Administration Program. The legislation recognizes Hawaii's strategic importance in defense, noting that the state received nearly $9 billion in defense spending in fiscal year 2022 and experienced a growth of approximately 10,000 defense-related jobs between 2018 and 2022, particularly in fields like information technology, cybersecurity, intelligence, and data science. Specifically, the bill provides $195,000 for two faculty positions: a half-time director of the cybersecurity coordination center and a full-time director of the cybersecurity research laboratory. Additionally, it allocates $270,000 for student internship programs, certifications, software, and related expenses, with the proviso that this funding is contingent on the loss of federal funding. The appropriations are designated for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, with the act set to take effect on July 1, 2025. The overall goal is to invest in educational resources that can help develop a skilled local workforce to meet the growing demands of the defense sector.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1502&year=2025