Hawaii legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Hawaii HB549: Relating to an Early Learning Apprenticeship Grant Program.
Status: In committee, May 1, 2026
Establishes an Early Learning Apprenticeship Grant Program to be administered by the University of Hawaii to provide financial support for early learning program service providers in the State to participate in state- or federally-approved early learning apprenticeship programs. Requires an annual report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.
What the bill says
A bill for an act relating to an early learning apprenticeship grant program.
From the engrossed text:
A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AN EARLY LEARNING APPRENTICESHIP GRANT PROGRAM. SECTION 1. The legislature finds that quality learning experiences during a child's earliest years improve long-term, multi-general outcomes and contribute to a strong, skilled workforce. High-quality early learning programs support the growth and development of children, help working families to secure and sustain employment and economic vitality, promote the creation of jobs and workforce support, and generate substantial revenue for the State. The legislature notes that despite the growing demand for well-trained early learning professionals, the field is experiencing a shortage of qualified and well-compensated workers. Therefore, the legislature recognizes that it is necessary to support the recruitment, retention, and professional development of early learning professionals as an investment in a workforce that supports the State's youngest children and working families, which will contribute to the current and future prosperity of the State. 2025-2321 HB549 SDl SMA.docx iiliiliiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiHimiiiiiiiii Page 2 H.B. NO. ^03 S.D. The legislature further finds that registered apprenticeship programs are proven models that create skilled workforces tailored to the specialized needs of their respective industries while fostering economic growth. Registered apprenticeship programs are high-quality, industry-driven career pathways that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction to prepare workers for skilled careers. Registered apprenticeship programs ensure businesses have access to well-trained and qualified employees while also …
Sponsors
- Andrew Garrett (D, 22) · primary sponsor
- Cory Chun (D, 35)
- Luke Evslin (D, 16)
- Darius Kila (D, 44)
- Trish La Chica (D, 37)
- Michael Lee (D, 50)
- Lisa Marten (D, 51)
- Ikaika Olds (D, 23)
- Jackson Sayama (D, 21)
- Gregg Takayama (D, 34)
- Jenna Takenouchi (D, 27)
Latest actions
- : Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Friday, 05-01-26 at 5:50PM in Conference Room 229.
- : Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Friday, 05-01-26 at 5:15PM in Conference Room 229.
- : Bill scheduled for Conference Committee Meeting on Friday, 05-01-26 3:00PM in conference room 229.
- : Received notice of change in Senate conferees (Sen. Com. No. 800).
- : Senate Conferees Changed: Senator Kidani discharged as Chair; Added as Co-Chair.
- : Received notice of Senate conferees (Sen. Com. No. 798).
- : Senate Conferees Appointed: Kim, Kidani Chairs; Hashimoto, DeCorte.
- : Received notice of appointment of House conferees (Hse. Com. No. 875).
- : House Conferees Appointed: Garrett, Marten, Lee, M. Co-Chairs; Amato, Souza.
- : Re-Referred to EDU, WAM.
Votes
- Report adopted; Passed Third Reading (April 8, 2025): 25 yea, 0 nay, passed
- WAM: recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED (April 2, 2025): 13 yea, 0 nay, passed
- HRE: recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS (March 17, 2025): 3 yea, 0 nay, passed
- EDU: recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS (March 17, 2025): 5 yea, 0 nay, passed
- Third Reading as amended in HD 3 with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Pierick, Ward excused (2) (March 4, 2025): 49 yea, 0 nay, passed
- FIN: recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS (February 26, 2025): 15 yea, 0 nay, passed
Subjects: Report, An Early Learning Apprenticeship Grant Program, Appropriations, Counties, UH, Reports
Common questions
- What is HB549?
- HB549 is a bill in the Hawaii Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Relating to an Early Learning Apprenticeship Grant Program.
- What does HB549 do?
- In its own words: A bill for an act relating to an early learning apprenticeship grant program.
- What is the status of HB549?
- In committee as of May 1, 2026. Latest action: Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Friday, 05-01-26 at 5:50PM in Conference Room 229. (May 1, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB549?
- Andrew Garrett (D, 22), with 10 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for HB549?
- On the Hawaii Legislature website: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=549&year=2026
Source: official Hawaii record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.