Workforce Development Council’s New Board Member Orientation – June 2025

By Angela Chock, Hele Imua Intern, Workforce Development Council

On June 5, the new members of the Workforce Development Council (WDC) appointed within the last year came together for an orientation to connect on why they serve on these boards and contribute to this noble effort. One of the highlights was a ceremonial swearing-in conducted by Representative Andrew Garrett.

Together with the WDC Staff, these new members reviewed the structure of the WDC’s State and Local Boards and the key laws like WIOA and HRS Chapter 202 that govern workforce development in Hawaiʻi. They also spent time learning about the WIOA Core Partners, the functions of WDC committees, responsibilities related to ethics and the Sunshine Law, and how the 2024–2028 State Unified Plan guides our collective work. The orientation emphasized each member’s role as a strategic partner in building strong collaborations that support economic growth and opportunity across the state.

Workforce Development Council Hosts 2nd Annual Future of Work Conference

By: Bennette Misalucha, Executive Director, Workforce Development Council

On Monday, September 30, 2024, the Workforce Development Council (WDC), in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations and the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaiʻi, hosted the 2nd Annual Future of Work Conference at the Japanese Cultural Center. This year’s event attracted over 300 participants, eager to explore Hawaiʻi’s evolving job landscape.

The event was well-attended by WDC board members, including Vice Chair Cary Miyashiro, Rossella Guardascione, Manu Bermudez, Della Teraoka, Scott Collins, Sean Knox, Lea Dias, Leslie Wilkins, Trang Malone, Rona Fukumoto, Dion Dizon, David Rodriguez, and Senator Donovan Dela Cruz. Unfortunately, Chair Ken Loui, who had planned to attend, was unable to due to illness.

Renowned futurist Peter Schwartz, part of Salesforce’s leadership team and a resident of the Big Island, delivered the keynote address. Drawing from his extensive experience in Silicon Valley and Singapore, Schwartz shared stories of communities working together to solve pressing issues. He pointed to a 1978 Hawaiʻi report that highlighted challenges like today’s and emphasized the need for ongoing policy development to create solutions. His message left the audience feeling uplifted and inspired.

WDC extends its gratitude to the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaiʻi for their help in planning this event, for all participants, sponsors, and volunteers who made this event a tremendous success. We look forward to next year’s edition and continuing to shape Hawaiʻi’s future workforce!

Hawaiʻi State Senate Confirms Five Members to Workforce Development

Workforce Development Council (WDC) is pleased to announce that, on April 23, 2025, the Hawaiʻi State Senate officially confirmed the appointments of five individuals to WDC. These appointments mark an important step in strengthening our collective efforts to support workforce development across the state.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Governor Josh Green for these appointments and to Senate Labor Chair Henry Aquino for overseeing a smooth confirmation process. A special mahalo to our WDC legislative team—Keith DeMello and Tui Scanlan—for their steadfast support throughout.

We are equally excited to welcome two new members, Amber Akana and Pane Meatoga III, who will bring valuable labor perspectives to the Council. Amber currently serves as the Safety Director and Business Representative for the Seafarers International Union, while Pane is the Deputy Political Director for Operating Engineers Local 3 (OE3).

Please join us in congratulating and welcoming all our confirmed Council members as we continue building a resilient and forward-looking workforce for Hawaiʻi.

Workforce Development Council Hosts Economic Trends Webinar

By: Bennette Misalucha, Executive Director, Workforce Development Council

On Monday, April 28, 2025, the Workforce Development Council hosted an insightful Economic Trends Webinar featuring Dr. Seth Colby, Tax Research and Planning Officer with the Hawaiʻi Department of Taxation. The webinar, which was attended by more than 70 people, was convened to continue the community conversation regarding aligning workforce development with economic growth.

Dr. Colby provided a compelling analysis of Hawaiʻi’s economic landscape, emphasizing slowing population growth, rising housing costs, and shifting labor market dynamics. He addressed barriers to workforce participation, and had a very unconventional view on the topic of diversifying the economy, for Hawaiʻi to remain competitive.

Dr. Colby’s remarks served as a timely reminder that workforce development must be integrated with broader economic and housing policy solutions. His balanced and data-driven approach offered not just analysis, but a framework for action. If you missed the session, the recording and slide deck are available on our website.

Mahalo to Dr. Colby for sharing his time, expertise, and deep understanding of the complex issues shaping Hawaiʻi’s future.

Workforce Development Council Hosts Synergy Summit to Propel State Unified Plan Forward

By: Bennette Misalucha, Executive Director, Workforce Development Council

The Workforce Development Council (WDC) recently hosted the 2024 Workforce Development Synergy Summit, bringing together nearly 70 stakeholders from across the state to the Foreign Trade Zone conference room.

Held on December 9, 2024, this significant event marked a pivotal step in advancing the initiatives outlined in Hawaiʻi’s Unified Workforce Development Plan.

The summit served as a “bookend” to the plan’s launch, celebrating the progress made and diving into the implementation of its key initiatives. The summit also laid the groundwork for the development of a “North Star” by which Hawaiʻi’s workforce development efforts can be guided, with shared goals, measurable outcomes, and a unified vision.

Catalyst Groups Lead the Way

The highlight of the day was the formation of catalyst working groups for each of the four pillars. Each group was entrusted with two co-leaders (from a cross section of stakeholders) who will guide their teams throughout the year to develop strategies, foster collaboration, and implement actionable steps.

A Bold Call to Action

The event concluded on an inspiring note with a keynote address by Jeff Mikulina, executive director of Climate Hawaiʻi, who shared insights from the energy sector’s transformative journey toward achieving their industry’s North Star: a goal of 100% renewable energy by 2045. Mikulina challenged attendees to think boldly and creatively, sparking a renewed sense of possibility and commitment among the stakeholders.

For more information about the Unified Plan or how to get involved, contact the Workforce Development Council at [email protected].