SR 131 Hawaii Senate · 2026 Regular Session

REQUESTING THE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL TO RECOMMEND TO THE GOVERNOR, FOR INCLUSION IN THE STATE UNIFIED PLAN, A COMPREHENSIVE STATEWIDE WORKFORCE STRATEGY TO ENSURE THAT ALL PEOPLE OF THE STATE HAVE A PATHWAY TO A CAREER THAT ENABLES THEM TO LEARN, WORK, AND THRIVE IN THE STATE AND CONTRIBUTE TO A VIBRANT LOCAL ECONOMY GROUNDED IN COMMUNITY VALUES BY 2045.

This Senate Resolution asks the Workforce Development Council to create a long-term statewide workforce strategy by 2045 that aims to help all residents find careers enabling them to learn, work, and thrive in Hawaii. The proposed strategy would be included in the State Unified Plan and would focus on improving work-based learning opportunities, expanding living-wage jobs, reducing underemployment, and strengthening partnerships between industries and education providers. It seeks to address concerns about high living costs and limited employment opportunities that have led many residents to consider leaving the state. The resolution directs the council to develop specific plans and measurable goals to guide state and county efforts toward these shared workforce objectives.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2026
Committee Review
Apr 2026
Senate Passage
Apr 2026
House Passage
Governor
Introduced Mar 16, 2026 Last action May 12, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
8
Key actions
4
Committee
4
Apr 8, 2026
Upper · Passed
Report and Resolution Adopted.
upper
Apr 7, 2026
Upper · Passed
Reported from LBT (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 3438) with recommendation of adoption.
upper
Mar 27, 2026
Upper · Passed
The committee(s) on LBT recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in LBT were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) Elefante, Lamosao, Moriwaki; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 2 Excused: Senator(s) Ihara, Fevella.
upper
Mar 24, 2026
Upper · Passed
The committee(s) on LBT has scheduled a public hearing on 03-27-26 3:01PM; Conference Room 225 & Videoconference.
upper
Mar 19, 2026
Committee
Referred to LBT.
upper
Mar 16, 2026
Introduced
Offered.
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Brandon Elefante
Brandon Elefante
DDemocratic
HI
16