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About the WDC

The Workforce Development Council is an attached agency to the State of Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. As is stated in HRS Chapter 202, the council is a 41-member advisory commission comprised of both public and private-sector representatives, who are selected by the Governor to serve in staggered 4-year terms on the basis of their interest in and knowledge of workforce development programs in Hawaii and how to support economic development throughout the state.

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 Hawaii 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.

In addition to the council members, the WDC also has a small staff that provides administration and support for the council and its activities, particularly those concerning its duties and responsibilities under the federal program mentioned above.

Participation

While the governor is responsible for appointing the council’s members, if you’d like to nominate someone or volunteer for the WDC, you may submit your request to:

The Boards and Commissions Coordinator
Office of the Governor
Hawaii State Capitol
Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: (808) 586-0026
Fax: (808) 586-0019