Requesting The University Of Hawaii Community Colleges, Including The University Of Hawaii Maui College, To Develop A Comprehensive List Of Bachelor's, Associate, Certificate, And Other Existing Degree Programs Or Pathways That Directly Align With Job Opportunities And Industry Needs Within Their Respective Region Of Service.
H.R. 189 is a House Resolution that asks the University of Hawaii Community Colleges, including the University of Hawaii Maui College, to develop a comprehensive inventory of existing bachelor’s, associate, certificate, and other degree pathways that align with job opportunities and industry needs in each college’s region of service. The resolution emphasizes matching academic offerings to regional workforce demand and economic drivers, with particular attention to industries such as tourism and hospitality, agriculture, marine research, renewable energy, and health care.
The resolution also requests that the community colleges evaluate their regional strengths and work with local industry leaders and stakeholders so that programs reflect current labor market data and local economic needs. It is a policy request rather than a statutory mandate, and it directs certified copies to University of Hawaii leadership, including the President, the Vice President for Community Colleges, and the Chancellor of UH Maui College.
Because this is a resolution, it does not amend state statutes or create enforceable legal requirements. Its practical effect is to encourage the University of Hawaii Community Colleges to assess and potentially better align existing academic programs with regional workforce needs, which could influence future program planning, resource allocation, and partnerships with employers. The main affected parties are the University of Hawaii community college system, students seeking career-oriented education, and regional industries that rely on a trained local workforce.
The overall sentiment reflected in the resolution is positive and supportive of workforce development, regional economic alignment, and collaboration between higher education and industry. The bill text frames the proposal as beneficial to students, employers, and the state’s economic growth. No committee transcript or vote record was provided, so there is no additional evidence of opposition or divided sentiment in the available context.
No specific points of contention are documented in the provided materials. Potential areas of debate, if any, would likely center on how colleges should prioritize programs, whether existing offerings already meet labor market needs, and how much coordination with industry should influence academic planning. However, the available record does not show any expressed objections, amendments, or recorded votes.