The Maui Chamber of Commerce believes that effective educational programs instill in students an eagerness to learn, ability to work collaboratively, and capability to respond innovatively and flexibly to work and society’s challenges. Toward this end, the Maui Chamber of Commerce supports a partnership of parents, business, government, schools, and the general public to develop educational and training programs and systems responsive to the current and future demands of Maui’s economy in the competitive global marketplace and which create a skilled and productive workforce.

I. TRAINING FOR CHAMBER MEMBERS

The Maui Chamber of Commerce supports the development of partnerships and educational and training program which assist its members in developing successful, economically competitive enterprises. Further, the Chamber will aggressively pursue the continued use of the State’s Employment Training Fund to benefit Maui County employers.

Supporting Statement

To remain competitive in today’s economy, businesses must continually strive to maintain and upgrade business-specific skills and have opportunities to stay current on available resources and technological advancements. Utilizing State, Federal and private funds, the Maui Chamber of Commerce, through its Education & Training Committee, will continue to develop and encourage relevant training activities for Chamber members. Programs offered through the UH-Hilo Small Business Development Center-Maui, Maui Community College’s VITEC and CompTech, SCORE/ACE, and other programs are valuable resources for local businesses. The Chamber will also inform its members of available training funds and relevant training activities, such as the Chamber-sponsored RITE (Retail Industry Training Excellence) program.

II. AN IMPROVED EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM

The Maui Chamber of Commerce supports efforts leading to an educational system in Maui County which emphasizes excellence, responsibility, and achievement and which encourages more business and community input in the educational planning and implementation process.

Supporting Statement

The community’s long-term economic health is impacted by the quality of education available in the community, therefore a structured effort to continually improve education in Maui County is needed. Quality educational programs focus on students achieving, at a minimum, established competencies and foundation skills. Such programs also offer equitable educational opportunities for all students of all ages (ages 0-5 and grades K-14); utilizes hands-on inquiry-based learning, such as offered by the Maui SEED (Science for Early Education and Development) program; and include as part of the curriculum health/safety and environmental issues, career awareness and exploration, economic literacy, and the integration of current technology into classroom learning.

III. SCHOOL-TO-WORK OPPORTUNITIES

The Maui Chamber of Commerce supports the Maui District Department of Education’s School-To-Work Opportunities program to develop and maintain collaborative partnerships between education (grades K-14) and businesses to integrate school curricula, career development, workplace learning, and lifelong learning.

Supporting Statement

In efforts to assist the community in educational reform, businesses are a vital bridge between students in school and the world of work. The Maui Chamber of Commerce will continue to be a partner in planning of the Maui District Department of Education’s School-To-Work Opportunities (STWO) program and will encourage its members to be involved by participating in program planning, offering students training and career exposure, and hiring STWO graduates. Business participation may include, but not be limited to: mentorships, career shadowing, vocational guidance, internships (paid or non-paid), Junior Achievement, Distributive Education Club of America (DECA), and Cooperative Education Programs.

IV. HIGHER EDUCATION/FOUR YEAR UNIVERSITY FOR MAUI

The Maui Chamber of Commerce supports the availability of increased baccalaureate, master’s degree, and professional development programs in Maui County, such as those offered by the University of Hawaii, Maui Community College, the University Center on Maui, and other higher education programs and institutions.

Supporting Statement

Higher education programs are a vital component in developing a vibrant economy. Such programs - offered through on-island instruction and distance education - expand opportunities for local residents, foster an informed electorate, help create a highly-skilled professional workforce, and provide a base upon which the economy can grow. A diversity of high quality educational programs in Maui county will provide the opportunity to attract off-island students, who contribute significantly to the economy, and serve as an incentive in attracting new business to the County, leading to new job options. A thriving economy with a variety of professional jobs will make it possible for the college-educated youth of Maui to remain on island and secure top level management positions close to home.