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

HCR 98 is a resolution requesting the Hawaii Department of Human Resources Development to establish the Hawaii State Fellows Program. The program would create 10-11 month, full-time, paid fellowships for recent college graduates (requiring a bachelor's degree, minimum GPA, age 20+, and work authorization) to work across state agencies. Key provisions include career development training, mentorship, and evaluation mechanisms to address the state's public employment recruitment and retention crisis. The resolution requires the department to report on the program's status, participation, and budget to the Legislature by 2026.