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.
The new members in attendance at this orientation:
Left to right: Gina Woo Anonuevo, Thomas Chock, Wanelle Kaneshiro, Jade Rojas-Letisi, Amber Akana, Jared Higashi, Sean Nakamura, Pane Meatoga III, Benson Medina, Christopher Lum Lee
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.
Federally mandated, the Hawaiʻi State Workforce Development Council brings together leaders in the business, labor, education and public sectors to advise the Governor on workforce issues. The council has 41 members and is placed within the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations for administrative purposes.
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.
DLIR Director Jade T. Butay emphasized: “Ensuring that businesses have skilled workers and that job seekers find the jobs they need is critical to equipping local businesses and workers with the talent and skills necessary as Hawaiʻi’s economy evolves.”
Workforce Heroes Awards
A key highlight of the conference was the Workforce Heroes Awards ceremony, an initiative led by WDC to recognize outstanding individuals across the islands.
2024 Honorees included:
- Ariel Villanueva and Lord Ryan Lizardo (Oahu)
- Nicolette van Der Lee (Maui)
- Kaina Makua (Kauai)
- Kevin Aki (Big Island)
Special Recognition:
- Legislator of the Year: Senator Donovan Dela Cruz
- Lifetime Achievement Award: UH President David Lassner for his 46 years of dedication to workforce development
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.
The confirmed appointees are:
- Ken Loui – confirmed for a term expiring June 30, 2028
- Jared Higashi – confirmed for terms expiring June 30, 2025, and June 30, 2029
- Scott Collins – confirmed for a term expiring June 30, 2028
- Pane Meatoga III – confirmed for a term expiring June 30, 2029
- Amber Akana – confirmed for a term expiring June 30, 2029
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.
Key Insight: One of the most striking points Dr. Colby made was that simply increasing wages will not solve Hawaiʻi’s affordability crisis. He noted that while the state consistently ranks among the top in average salaries, the real issue lies in the denominator—Hawaiʻi’s extremely high cost of living, particularly housing.
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.
