REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT TO ESTABLISH THE HAWAII STATE FELLOWS PROGRAM.

2025 Regular Session

HCR 98 directs DHRD to establish a Hawaii State Fellows Program to train future public servants and build leadership across agencies; requires a program report; no funds set.

Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 403).

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Purpose and intent

HCR 98 is a concurrent resolution directing and requesting the Hawaii Department of Human Resources Development (DHRD) to establish a "Hawaii State Fellows Program." The resolution expresses the Legislature’s interest in creating a structured fellows program within state government to develop public-sector talent, strengthen recruitment and retention, and provide experiential learning opportunities in state agencies.

Key provisions

Requests that DHRD establish a Hawaii State Fellows Program (the resolution does not itself appropriate funds or create statutory law).

Directs DHRD to develop the program framework and coordinate with state agencies to host fellows.

Requests that DHRD produce a report documenting the program’s design, implementation plan, and recommendations (the bill’s text referenced “report,” but no specific submission deadline or funding level is included in the public summary).

Encourages the use of the program as a pipeline for public employment and leadership development across state agencies.

Note: The full resolution text is not included in the provided materials, so specifics such as program length, selection criteria, stipend amounts, number of fellows, rotation structure, or exact reporting deadlines are not available from the summary documents.

Who would be affected

Department of Human Resources Development — primary agency responsible for establishing and coordinating the program.

State agencies — expected to host and supervise fellows, provide placements, and participate in program design.

Prospective fellows — (e.g., recent graduates, early-career professionals) who would benefit from training, mentorship, and job experience in state government.

State workforce and the public — potential long-term benefits include a stronger recruitment pipeline, improved succession planning, and a more professionally trained public workforce.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced in the House: March 5, 2025.

Referred to committees, heard in committee, and recommended for adoption without amendment.

Passed both chambers: House adoption (March–May 2025 timeline shown); Senate passage reported May 21, 2025.

Sent to Governor: May 22, 2025.

Signed by the Governor: June 20, 2025.

Companion measure: HR 94.

Implementation considerations and potential impacts

As a concurrent resolution, HCR 98 expresses legislative intent and requests action by DHRD but does not itself create binding law or appropriate funds; establishing and operating the program may require administrative action and future legislative appropriation.

Effective implementation will require clarifying selection criteria, funding (stipends/administrative costs), host-agency commitments, evaluation metrics, and reporting deadlines.

If implemented, the program could strengthen recruitment and retention, build leadership capacity, and improve interagency familiarity among new public employees.

For the exact program design, reporting schedule, or funding needs, consult the full text of HCR 98 or subsequent DHRD materials produced in response to the resolution.

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