Federally mandated, the Hawaiʻi State Workforce Development Council brings together leaders in the business, labor, education and public sectors to advise the State and the Governor on workforce issues. The council has 41 members and is placed within the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations for administrative purposes. In addition to the council members, the WDC also has a small staff that provides administration and support for the council and its activities.

Function

The council operates in two capacities.

First, in a federal capacity, the council serves as the State Workforce Investment Board for purposes of the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, Public Law No. 113-128, and plays a central role in coordinating and overseeing all workforce development programs in the State, including workforce training and education programs.

Second, in a state capacity, the council is responsible for preparing and overseeing the implementation of the comprehensive state plan for workforce development in Hawaiʻi and for advising the Governor, through annual reports, on state workforce policies and funding priorities. The council’s recommendations aim to align workforce programs with the state’s economic development strategies and address unmet workforce and economic development needs across the state.

Governance and Structure

Council Composition

The Workforce Development Council (WDC) is composed of private-sector, public-sector, and labor representatives, in accordance with the mandates of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). The Governor appoints the private-sector and labor representatives, while public-sector representation includes county officials and ex officio voting members from partner agencies integral to workforce development in the state. Appointed council members serve staggered four-year terms, as outlined in Hawai’i Revised Statutes (HRS) §202 and federal law. The Council maintains 41 voting members, each bringing expertise in workforce and economic development strategies.

Certain ex officio members (e.g., Governor, department heads, county mayors) may appoint designees.

Guiding Laws and Acts

WDC Newsletters

Get Involved

For more information about how to nominate someone or volunteer for the WDC, please check out this website; https://boards.hawaii.gov/, which also contains links to the online application form. Or you may reach the WDC staff at: [email protected] or (808)586-8630.