SB 447: DOH; Department of Human Resources Development; Hiring Pilot Program; Reports
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: Senate
- Latest Version Date: 2025-04-25
Current Status:
In Progress
(2025-07-03: Act 291, on 07/03/2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1394).)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
What does this bill do?
The bill creates a hiring pilot program that lets the Department of Health take over some state human resources duties to speed up hiring, including forwarding applicant files without checking minimum qualifications until a candidate is chosen and allowing some lower‑paid jobs (SR‑10 and below) to treat required skills as desired or accept certain community college programs instead of experience. It also lets the department directly hire people into civil service (state government) when more than five positions are open, make certain temporary hires at the merited pay scale without the usual step limits, and requires the Department of Health to report its results to the Legislature.
The summary is provided by generative AI which can make mistakes. For original language, please view the details in the table below.
Establishes a Hiring Pilot Program within the Department of Health, which includes an amended hiring procedure for delegated position classifications, certain flexibilities regarding minimum qualifications for positions having a salary range at or below SR-10, the ability to directly hire certain individuals into a civil service position if certain conditions are met, and the authority to make certain temporary appointments at the merited civil service pay scale without step limitation. Applies to recruitments initiated before 7/1/2028. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Sunsets 7/1/2028. (CD1)
Establishes a hiring pilot program within the Department of Health, which includes an amended hiring procedure for delegated position classifications, certain flexibilities regarding minimum qualifications for positions having a salary range at or below SR-10, the ability to directly hire certain individuals into a civil service position if certain conditions are met, and the authority to make certain temporary appointments at the merited civil service pay scale without step limitation. Applies to recruitments initiated before 7/1/2028. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Sunsets 7/1/2028. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Establishes a hiring pilot program within the Department of Health, which includes an amended hiring procedure for delegated position classifications, certain flexibilities regarding minimum qualifications for positions having a salary range at or below SR-10, the ability to directly hire certain individuals into a civil service position if certain conditions are met, and the authority to make certain temporary appointments at the merited civil service pay scale without step limitation. Applies to recruitments initiated before 7/1/2028. Requires annual reports to the Legislature.
|
THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
447 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
H.D. 1 |
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
C.D. 1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO A DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH PILOT PROGRAM.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
The legislature further finds that Hawaii is currently experiencing a comprehensive shortage of skilled, professional workers. This shortage is driven by a multitude of factors, including workers relocating to states with lower costs of living and an aging population wherein experienced workers are beginning to qualify for retirement. These factors have resulted in increased competition for skilled workers among employers across many industry sectors.
The legislature recognizes that the State faces a wide range of public health issues stemming from climate change, increased globalization and global travel, an aging population, and the complicated effects of mental health issues and substance abuse. These issues require the State to be increasingly vigilant to ensure the well-being of its residents.
The legislature further recognizes that section 76‑5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, authorizes the director of human resources development to delegate the performance of services under chapter 76, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the State's civil service laws, to other agencies. In addition, section 14‑1‑9, Hawaii Administrative Rules, authorizes the director of human resources development to delegate to other departments the authority to act on human resources matters in accordance with policies, rules, guidelines, and standards issued by the director of human resources development. The legislature finds that if the director of health could take over certain human resources responsibilities as contemplated under these provisions, the department of health may be able to more expeditiously address public health issues facing the State.
The legislature further finds that under policy number 200.004 of the department of human resources development policies and procedures, titled establishment of minimum qualification requirements, the civil service system is based on the merit principle, which is defined as "the selection of persons based on their fitness and ability for public employment and the retention of employees based on their demonstrated appropriate conduct and productive performance". However, the minimum qualifications established under this policy, which date back to December 2003 and are still in effect, do little to promote the merit principle.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to streamline the hiring process in the department of health by requiring the delegation of certain human resources services under chapter 76, Hawaii Revised Statutes, from the department of human resources development to the department of health until June 30, 2028.
SECTION 2. (a) There is established a hiring pilot program within the department of health. The pilot program shall include the following:
(1) For delegated position classifications, the department of health may forward to the hiring program applications received without verifying minimum qualifications. When the hiring program selects an applicant for hire, the human resources office of the department of health shall verify the applicant's minimum qualifications before extending an offer of employment. The department of human resources development shall approve the temporary delegation of other unique position classifications and non-unique position classifications that are requested by the department of health for recruitment under the pilot program;
(2) The department of health shall have the following flexibilities regarding minimum qualifications for positions having a salary range at or below SR-10:
(A) Considering required minimum qualifications as desired qualifications; and
(B) Allowing certain community college development programs to be substituted for required or desired experience;
provided that the department of health shall specify any minimum qualification requirement or substitute in the recruitment posting;
(3) The department of health may directly hire an individual who meets minimum qualifications into a civil service position; provided that there are more than five vacant positions within the department of health for that position classification; and
(4) The director of health may make a temporary appointment outside the list at what would be the merited civil service pay scale without step limitation; provided that the department of health shall notify the department of human resources development of all temporary appointments outside the list made under this paragraph. As used in this paragraph, a "temporary appointment outside the list" means a non-civil service temporary appointment outside the list as described in policy number 300.001 of the department of human resources development policies and procedures, titled types of appointments.
(b) The pilot program established under subsection (a) shall be available for department of health recruitments that are initiated before July 1, 2028.
(c) The department of health shall submit a report to the legislature of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation regarding the pilot program established by this Act, no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular sessions of 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2029.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025; provided that the pilot program established pursuant to this Act shall be repealed on July 1, 2028.
Report Title:
DOH; Department of Human Resources Development; Hiring Pilot Program; Reports
Description:
Establishes a Hiring Pilot Program within the Department of Health, which includes an amended hiring procedure for delegated position classifications, certain flexibilities regarding minimum qualifications for positions having a salary range at or below SR-10, the ability to directly hire certain individuals into a civil service position if certain conditions are met, and the authority to make certain temporary appointments at the merited civil service pay scale without step limitation. Applies to recruitments initiated before 7/1/2028. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Sunsets 7/1/2028. (CD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
447 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
H.D. 1 |
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO A DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH PILOT PROGRAM.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
The legislature further finds that Hawaii is currently experiencing a comprehensive shortage of skilled, professional workers. This shortage is driven by a multitude of factors, including workers relocating to states with lower costs of living and an aging population wherein experienced workers are beginning to qualify for retirement. These factors have resulted in increased competition for skilled workers among employers across many industry sectors.
The legislature recognizes that the State faces a wide range of public health issues stemming from climate change, increased globalization and global travel, an aging population, and the complicated effects of mental health issues and substance abuse. These issues require the State to be increasingly vigilant to ensure the well-being of its residents.
The legislature further recognizes that section 76‑5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, authorizes the director of human resources development to delegate the performance of services under chapter 76, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to other agencies. In addition, section 14‑1‑9, Hawaii Administrative Rules, authorizes the director of human resources development to delegate to other departments the authority to act on human resources matters in accordance with policies, rules, guidelines, and standards issued by the director of human resources development. The legislature finds that if the director of health could take over certain human resources responsibilities as contemplated under these provisions, the department of health may be able to more expeditiously address public health issues facing the State.
The legislature further finds that according to department of human resources development policy 200.004, establishment of minimum qualification requirements, declares that the civil service system is based on the merit principle, which is defined as "the selection of persons based on their fitness and ability for public employment and the retention of employees based on their demonstrated appropriate conduct and productive performance". However, the minimum qualifications established under this policy, which date back to December 2003 and are still in effect, do little to promote the merit principle.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to streamline the hiring process in the department of health by requiring the delegation of certain human resources services under chapter 76, Hawaii Revised Statutes, from the department of human resources development to the department of health until June 30, 2028.
SECTION 2. (a) There is established a hiring pilot program within the department of health. The pilot program shall include the following:
(1) For delegated position classifications, the department of health may forward to the hiring program applications received without verifying minimum qualifications. When the hiring program selects an applicant for hire, the human resources office of the department of health shall verify the applicant's minimum qualifications before extending an offer of employment. The department of human resources development shall approve the temporary delegation of other unique position classifications and non-unique position classifications that are requested by the department of health for recruitment under the pilot program;
(2) The department of health shall have the following flexibilities regarding minimum qualifications for positions having a salary range at or below SR-10:
(A) Considering required minimum qualifications as desired qualifications; and
(B) Allowing certain community college development programs to be substituted for required or desired experience;
provided that the department of health shall specify any minimum qualification requirement or substitute in the recruitment posting;
(3) The department of health may directly hire an individual who meets minimum qualifications into a civil service position; provided that there are more than five vacant positions within the department of health for that position classification; and
(4) The director of health may make a temporary appointment outside the list at what would be the merited civil service pay scale without step limitation; provided that the department of health shall notify the department of human resources development of all temporary appointments outside the list made under this paragraph. As used in this paragraph, a "temporary appointment outside the list" means a non-civil service temporary appointment outside the list as described in department of human resources development policy number 300.001, types of appointments.
(b) The pilot program established under subsection (a) shall be available for department of health recruitments that are initiated before July 1, 2028.
(c) The department of health shall submit a report to the legislature of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation regarding the pilot program established by this Act, no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular sessions of 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2029.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000; provided that the pilot program established pursuant to this Act shall be repealed on July 1, 2028.
Report Title:
DOH; Department of Human Resources Development; Hiring Pilot Program; Reports to Legislature
Description:
Establishes a hiring pilot program within the Department of Health, which includes an amended hiring procedure for delegated position classifications, certain flexibilities regarding minimum qualifications for positions having a salary range at or below SR-10, the ability to directly hire certain individuals into a civil service position if certain conditions are met, and the authority to make certain temporary appointments at the merited civil service pay scale without step limitation. Applies to recruitments initiated before 7/1/2028. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Sunsets 7/1/2028. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
447 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
|
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO a department of health pilot program.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
The legislature further finds that Hawaii is currently experiencing a comprehensive shortage of skilled, professional workers. This shortage is driven by a multitude of factors, including capital flight driven by workers relocating to states having lower costs of living, and an aging population wherein experienced workers are beginning to qualify for retirement. These factors have resulted in increased competition for skilled workers among employers across many industry sectors.
The legislature recognizes that the State faces a wide range of public health issues stemming from climate change, increased globalization and global travel, an aging population, and the complicated effects of mental health issues and substance abuse. These issues require the State to be increasingly vigilant to ensure the well-being of residents.
The legislature further recognizes that section 76‑5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, authorizes the director of human resources development to delegate the performance of services under chapter 76, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to other agencies. In addition, section 14‑1‑9, Hawaii Administrative Rules, authorizes the director of human resources development to delegate to other departments the authority to act on human resources matters in accordance with policies, rules, guidelines, and standards issued by the director of human resources development. The legislature finds that if the director of health could take charge over certain human resources matters as contemplated under these provisions, the department of health may be able to more expeditiously address public health issues facing the State.
The legislature further finds that according to department of human resources development policy 200.004, establishment of minimum qualification requirements, declares that the civil service system is based on the merit principle, which is defined as "the selection of persons based on their fitness and ability for public employment and the retention of employees based on their demonstrated appropriate conduct and productive performance". However, the minimum qualifications established under this policy, which date back to December 2003 and are still in effect, do little to promote the merit principle.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to increase the efficiency of the hiring process by requiring the delegation of certain human resources services under chapter 76, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to the department of health until June 30, 2028.
SECTION 2. (a) There is established a hiring pilot program within the department of health, which shall include the following:
(1) For delegated position classifications, the department of health may forward to the hiring program applications received without verifying minimum qualifications. When the hiring program selects an applicant for hire, the human resources office of the department of health shall verify the applicant's minimum qualifications before the department of health extends an offer of employment. The department of human resources development shall approve the temporary delegation of other unique position classifications and non-unique position classifications that are requested by the department of health for recruitment under the pilot program;
(2) The department of health shall have the following flexibilities regarding minimum qualifications for positions having a salary range at or below SR-10:
(A) Considering required minimum qualifications to instead be desired qualifications; and
(B) Substituting certain community college development programs to substitute for required or desired experience;
provided that the department of health shall indicate any minimum qualification requirement or substitute in the recruitment posting;
(3) The department of health may directly hire into a civil service position an individual who meets minimum qualifications; provided that there are more than five vacant positions within the department of health for that position classification; and
(4) The director of health may make a temporary appointment outside the list at what would be the merited civil service pay scale without step limitation; provided that the department of health shall notify the department of human resources development of all temporary appointments outside the list made under this paragraph. As used in this paragraph, a "temporary appointment outside the list" means a non-civil service temporary appointment outside the list as described in department of human resources development policy number 300.001, types of appointments.
(b) The pilot program established under subsection (a) shall be available for department of health recruitments that are initiated before July 1, 2028.
(c) No later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular sessions of 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2029, the department of health shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, regarding the pilot program established by this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval; provided that the pilot program established pursuant to this Act shall be abolished on July 1, 2028.
|
INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |
|
|
|
Report Title:
DOH; Department of Human Resources Development; Hiring Pilot Program; Reports to Legislature
Description:
Establishes a hiring pilot program within the Department of Health, which includes an amended hiring procedure for delegated position classifications, certain flexibilities regarding minimum qualifications for positions having a salary range at or below SR-10, the ability to directly hire certain individuals into a civil service position if certain conditions are met, and the authority to make certain temporary appointments at the merited civil service pay scale without step limitation. Applies to recruitments initiated before 7/1/2028. Requires annual reports to the Legislature.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
Date
|
Status
|
|---|---|
| Jul 3, 2025 | Act 291, on 07/03/2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1394). |
| Jul 3, 2025 | Act 291, 07/03/2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1394). |
| Jun 6, 2025 | Notice of intent to veto (Gov. Msg. No. 1301) |
| Jun 6, 2025 | Notice of Intent to veto dated 06/06/2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1301) |
| May 2, 2025 | Enrolled to Governor. |
| May 2, 2025 | Received notice of passage on Final Reading in House (Hse. Com. No. 821). |
| May 1, 2025 | Received notice of Final Reading (Sen. Com. No. 888). |
| Apr 30, 2025 | Passed Final Reading as amended in CD 1 with Representative(s) Iwamoto voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Garcia, Garrett, Muraoka voting no (3) and Representative(s) Cochran excused (1). |
| Apr 30, 2025 | Passed Final Reading, as amended (CD 1). Ayes, 24; Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 1 (Senator(s) Awa). Excused, 0 (none). |
| Apr 25, 2025 | Forty-eight (48) hours notice Wednesday, 04-30-25. |
| Apr 25, 2025 | Reported from Conference Committee (Conf Com. Rep. No. 113) as amended in (CD 1). |
| Apr 25, 2025 | 48 Hrs. Notice (as amended CD 1) 04-30-25. |
| Apr 25, 2025 | Reported from Conference Committee as amended CD 1 (Conf. Com. Rep. No. 113). |
| Apr 24, 2025 | The Conference Committee recommends that the measure be Passed, with Amendments. The votes were as follows: 4 Ayes: Representative(s) Takayama, Sayama, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Olds; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Alcos. |
| Apr 24, 2025 | The Conference committee recommends that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes of the Senate Conference Managers were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) San Buenaventura, Aquino, Moriwaki; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Fevella. |
| Apr 23, 2025 | Conference committee meeting scheduled for 04-24-25 1:30PM; Conference Room 329. |
| Apr 23, 2025 | Received notice of appointment of House conferees (Hse. Com. No. 799). |
| Apr 22, 2025 | House Conferees Appointed: Takayama, Sayama, Keohokapu-Lee Loy Co-Chairs; Olds, Alcos. |
| Apr 15, 2025 | Received notice of Senate conferees (Sen. Com. No. 789). |
| Apr 15, 2025 | Senate Conferees Appointed: San Buenaventura Chair; Aquino, Moriwaki Co-Chairs; Fevella. |
| Apr 4, 2025 | Received notice of disagreement (Sen. Com. No. 590). |
| Apr 4, 2025 | Senate disagrees with House amendments. |
| Apr 4, 2025 | Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 465). |
| Apr 3, 2025 | Passed Third Reading with none voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Alcos, Garcia, Muraoka voting no (3) and Representative(s) Cochran, Woodson excused (2). Transmitted to Senate. |
| Apr 3, 2025 | Reported from FIN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1929), recommending passage on Third Reading. |
| Mar 28, 2025 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 14 Ayes: Representative(s) Yamashita, Takenouchi, Grandinetti, Holt, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Kitagawa, Kusch, Lamosao, Lee, M., Miyake, Morikawa, Templo, Alcos, Reyes Oda; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 2 Excused: Representative(s) Hussey, Ward. |
| Mar 25, 2025 | Bill scheduled to be heard by FIN on Friday, 03-28-25 2:00PM in House conference room 308 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 20, 2025 | Report adopted; referred to the committee(s) on FIN as amended in HD 1 with Representative(s) Garcia voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Cochran, Ward excused (2). |
| Mar 20, 2025 | Reported from LAB (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1388) as amended in HD 1, recommending referral to FIN. |
| Mar 18, 2025 | The committee on LAB recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 6 Ayes: Representative(s) Sayama, Lee, M., Garrett, Kapela, Kong, Reyes Oda; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and Excused: none. |
| Mar 14, 2025 | Bill scheduled to be heard by LAB on Tuesday, 03-18-25 9:30AM in House conference room 309 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 14, 2025 | Passed Second Reading and referred to the committee(s) on LAB with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Cochran, Holt, Iwamoto, Ward excused (4). |
| Mar 14, 2025 | Reported from HLT (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1230), recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to LAB. |
| Mar 12, 2025 | The committee on HLT recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 8 Ayes: Representative(s) Takayama, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Amato, Chun, Marten, Olds, Takenouchi; Ayes with reservations: Representative(s) Garcia; Noes: none; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Alcos. |
| Mar 7, 2025 | Bill scheduled to be heard by HLT on Wednesday, 03-12-25 9:00AM in House conference room 329 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 4, 2025 | Referred to HLT, LAB, FIN, referral sheet 18 |
| Mar 4, 2025 | Pass First Reading |
| Feb 28, 2025 | Received from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 43). |
| Feb 28, 2025 | Report Adopted; Passed Third Reading. Ayes, 23; Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 2 (Senator(s) Fukunaga, Kidani). Transmitted to House. |
| Feb 27, 2025 | One Day Notice 02-28-25. |
| Feb 27, 2025 | Reported from WAM (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 777) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading. |
| Feb 19, 2025 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in WAM were as follows: 13 Aye(s): Senator(s) Dela Cruz, Moriwaki, Aquino, DeCoite, Elefante, Hashimoto, Inouye, Kanuha, Kidani, Kim, Lee, C., Wakai, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Feb 14, 2025 | The committee(s) on WAM will hold a public decision making on 02-19-25 10:02AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference. |
| Feb 14, 2025 | Report adopted; Passed Second Reading and referred to WAM. |
| Feb 14, 2025 | Reported from HHS/LBT (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 529) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading and referral to WAM. |
| Feb 10, 2025 | The committee(s) on LBT recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in LBT were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) Aquino, Lee, C., Ihara, Moriwaki, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Feb 10, 2025 | The committee(s) on HHS recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in HHS were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) San Buenaventura, Aquino, Hashimoto, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Keohokalole. |
| Feb 5, 2025 | The committee(s) on HHS/LBT has scheduled a public hearing on 02-10-25 1:10PM; Conference Room 225 & Videoconference. |
| Jan 21, 2025 | Referred to HHS/LBT, WAM. |
| Jan 16, 2025 | Passed First Reading. |
| Jan 16, 2025 | Introduced. |
|
Date
|
Description
|
Location
|
Votes
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 30, 2025 | Final Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
|
| Apr 30, 2025 | Final Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Apr 3, 2025 | Third Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
|
| Mar 28, 2025 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | House Standing Committee on Finance |
Passed |
|
| Mar 18, 2025 | The committee on LAB recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Labor |
Passed |
|
| Mar 12, 2025 | The committee on HLT recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | House Standing Committee on Health |
Passed |
|
| Feb 28, 2025 | Third Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Feb 19, 2025 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | Senate Standing Committee on Ways and Means |
Passed |
|
| Feb 10, 2025 | The committee(s) on LBT recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | Senate Standing Committee on Labor and Technology |
Passed |
|
| Feb 10, 2025 | The committee(s) on HHS recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | Senate Standing Committee on Health and Human Services |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
|
Organization
|
Position
|
Date
|
|---|---|---|
| AFL-CIO | ** Support | |
| Department of Health | *** Support | Mar 17, 2025 |
| Department of Health and Hawaii Government Employees Association | ** Support | |
| Department of Human Resources Development | *** Against | Mar 28, 2025 |
| Hawaii Government Employees Association, AFSCME Local 152, AFL-CIO | ** Support | |
| State Health Planning and Development Agency | ** Support |
CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REP. NO. 113
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: S.B. No. 447
H.D. 1
C.D. 1
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Sir and Madam:
Your Committee on Conference on the disagreeing vote of the Senate to the amendments proposed by the House of Representatives in S.B. No. 447, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO A DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH PILOT PROGRAM,"
having met, and after full and free discussion, has agreed to recommend and does recommend to the respective Houses the final passage of this bill in an amended form.
The purpose of this measure is to establish a Hiring Pilot Program within the Department of Health for recruitments initiated before July 1, 2028, to include an amended hiring procedure for delegated position classifications, certain flexibilities regarding minimum qualifications for positions having a salary range at or below SR-10, the ability to directly hire certain individuals into a civil service position if certain conditions are met, and the authority to make certain temporary appointments at the merited civil service pay scale without step limitation.
Your Committee on Conference finds that the Department of Health's current vacancy rate is at 29.8 percent, totaling one thousand forty-six open positions, revealing a severe staffing shortage that impedes the State's ability to quickly assess public health issues, develop effective public health policy, and instill confidence in residents regarding the State's ability to protect their health and well-being. Your Committee on Conference further finds that granting the Director of Health express authority over certain human resources matters would allow the Department of Health to retain staff and address public health issues more expeditiously. This measure increases the efficiency of the Department of Health's hiring process by requiring the delegation of certain human resources services from the Department of Human Resources Development to the Department of Health until June 30, 2028.
Your Committee on Conference has amended this measure by:
(1) Changing the effective date to July 1, 2025; and
(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the managers of your Committee on Conference that is attached to this report, your Committee on Conference is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 447, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Final Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 447, H.D. 1, C.D. 1.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the managers:
|
ON THE PART OF THE HOUSE |
|
ON THE PART OF THE SENATE |
|
____________________________ GREGG TAKAYAMA Co-Chair |
|
____________________________ JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA Chair |
|
____________________________ JACKSON D. SAYAMA Co-Chair |
|
____________________________ HENRY J.C. AQUINO Co-Chair |
|
____________________________ SUE L. KEOHOKAPU-LEE LOY Co-Chair |
|
____________________________ SHARON MORIWAKI Co-Chair |
|
|
|
|
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1929
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: S.B. No. 447
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred S.B. No. 447, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO A DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH PILOT PROGRAM,"
begs leave to report as follows:
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 447, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,
|
|
|
____________________________ KYLE T. YAMASHITA, Chair |
|
|
|
|
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1388
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: S.B. No. 447
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Labor, to which was referred S.B. No. 447 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO A DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH PILOT PROGRAM,"
begs leave to report as follows:
Your Committee finds that addressing staffing shortages in the State's public health sector serves the public interest and is a key priority for the State. As of March 2025, the Department of Health reported a vacancy rate of twenty-nine percent, equaling 1,031 vacant positions. Your Committee further finds that a recent survey indicated that forty-three percent of the Department of Health's staff are expecting to seek employment elsewhere within the next twelve months, despite feeling a sense of purpose and meaning in their work and support from their colleagues and supervisors. Your Committee recognizes that the Department of Health has exhausted all the tools provided by the Department of Human Resources Development, including the Hire Hawaii Program, Holo Delegation, and Wikiwiki Hiring Program, which have had little effect on filling their large vacancy. Your Committee notes that the Department of Health's chief concern is the timeliness in which qualified candidates are referred to them, noting that it often takes two to four months for the Human Resource Office to pre-screen applicants and provide the Department of Health with a list of candidates to contact for an interview, by which time those applicants have found employment elsewhere. This Hiring Pilot Program established under this measure will streamline the hiring process in the Department of Health and further the Department of Health's mission to protect and promote the physical, behavioral, and environmental well-being of the State's residents.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and
(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Labor that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 447, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 447, H.D. 1.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Labor,
|
|
|
____________________________ JACKSON D. SAYAMA, Chair |
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1230
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: S.B. No. 447
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Health, to which was referred S.B. No. 447 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO A DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH PILOT PROGRAM,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this measure is to establish a three-year Hiring Pilot Program within the Department of Health to increase efficiency in hiring by the Department by delegating the performance of certain human resources services from the Department of Human Resources Development to the Department of Health.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Health and Hawaii Government Employees Association, AFSCME Local 152, AFL-CIO. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Human Resources Development.
Your Committee finds that the Department of Health's current vacancy rate is approximately thirty percent and that a recent survey indicated that forty-three percent of Department of Health respondents, compared to thirty-six percent across all departments, expect to seriously look for a new job within the next twelve months. Your Committee further finds that the Department of Health conducted a Hiring Innovation for Rapid Employment (HIRE) pilot program between August 2024 and January 2025, which was aimed at reducing the hiring time and administrative workload for delegated positions. To date, twenty-seven delegated positions were recruited through the HIRE program, with an average time of fifty-three calendar days from the applicant's referral to the Department of Health's Human Resources Office to conditional offer and an eighty percent workload reduction in the Human Resources Office's minimum qualifications review. Your Committee believes that temporarily expanding the HIRE program, as proposed by this measure, will enable the Department of Health to address its civil service workforce shortage, fill its vacancies, and retain personnel.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 447 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Labor.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Health,
|
|
|
____________________________ GREGG TAKAYAMA, Chair |
|
|
|
|
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 777
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: S.B. No. 447
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 447 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO A DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH PILOT PROGRAM,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to address staff shortages in the State's public health workforce.
Specifically, this measure:
(1) Establishes a hiring pilot program within the Department of Health that includes:
(A) An amended hiring procedure for delegated position classifications;
(B) Certain flexibilities regarding minimum qualifications for positions having a salary range at or below SR-10;
(C) The ability to directly hire certain individuals into a civil service position if certain conditions are met; and
(D) The authority to make certain temporary appointments at the merited civil service pay scale without step limitation;
(2) Makes the pilot program available to recruitments initiated before July 1, 2028; and
(3) Requires reports to the Legislature.
Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Health.
Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Department of Human Resources Development, Hawaii Government Employees Association, and one individual.
Your Committee finds that the State's ability to quickly assess and address public health issues is impeded by a large number of vacant positions within the Department of Health. Your Committee further finds that granting the Director of Health express authority over certain human resources matters would allow the Department of Health to address public health issues more expeditiously.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 447 and recommends that it pass Third Reading.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,
|
|
|
________________________________ DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair |
|
|
|
|
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 529
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: S.B. No. 447
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committees on Health and Human Services and Labor and Technology, to which was referred S.B. No. 447 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO A DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH PILOT PROGRAM,"
beg leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to, for recruitments initiated before July 1, 2028, establish a hiring pilot program within the Department of Health, which includes an amended hiring procedure for delegated position classifications, certain flexibilities regarding minimum qualifications for positions having a salary range at or below SR-10, the ability to directly hire certain individuals into a civil service position if certain conditions are met, and the authority to make certain temporary appointments at the merited civil service pay scale without step limitation.
Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Health; Hawaii Government Employees Association, AFSCME Local 152, AFL-CIO; and one individual.
Your Committees received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual.
Your Committees received comments on this measure from the Department of Human Resources Development.
Your Committees find that addressing shortages in the State's public health workforce is in the public interest and a key priority for the State. Your Committees further find that in September 2024, the Department of Health reported nine hundred vacant positions, which impedes the State's ability to quickly assess public health issues, develop effective public health policy, and instill confidence in residents about Hawaii's ability to protect their health and well-being. Your Committees additionally find that if the Director of Health had express authority over certain human resources matters, the Department of Health may be able to more expeditiously address public health issues facing the State. This measure increases the efficiency of the hiring process by requiring the delegation of certain human resources services to the Department of Health until June 30, 2028.
As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Health and Human Services and Labor and Technology that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 447 and recommend that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Health and Human Services and Labor and Technology,
|
________________________________ HENRY J.C. AQUINO, Chair |
|
________________________________ JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA, Chair |
|
|
|
|
|
Date
|
Testimony PDF
|
|---|---|
| Mar 28, 2025 | SB447_HD1_TESTIMONY_FIN_03-28-25_.PDF |
| Mar 17, 2025 | SB447_TESTIMONY_LAB_03-18-25_.PDF |
| Mar 12, 2025 | SB447_TESTIMONY_HLT_03-12-25_.PDF |
| Feb 18, 2025 | SB447_TESTIMONY_WAM_02-19-25_.PDF |
| Feb 10, 2025 | SB447_TESTIMONY_HHS-LBT_02-10-25_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
50SEC
House Floor
1MIN
Conference Committee
2MIN
House Standing Committee on Finance
13MIN
House Standing Committee on Health
15MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Health and Human Services
15MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Labor and Technology
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):