February 2, 2007 - Innovation in Hawai`i's Workforce
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"I would like to speak with you about the importance of our Hawai`i
Workforce Innovation Initiative.
Hawai`i's ability to support a more knowledge- and innovation-intensive
economy as well as raise our standard of living requires an immediate and
ongoing upgrade of the skill sets possessed by our existing and future
workforce.
The rapid pace of changing technology in business is requiring companies
and workers to upgrade skills training in order to remain
competitive.
The bill I've introduced has several related components - a lifelong
learning account, rapid response training programs, the "Kama`aina Come
Home" program, and merging workforce development with economic development
programs.
This innovation initiative is about Hawai`i's future. Please
encourage the legislature to support this initiative."