STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1982

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 646, 647, 648, 649, 650, 651, 667

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Labor and Technology, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 646, 647, 648, 649, 650, 651, and 667, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

Hawai'i Workforce Development Council

 

G.M. No. 646

DEREK KANEHIRA,

for a term to expire 06-30-2027;

 

G.M. No. 647

B. MANU BERMUDES,

for a term to expire 06-30-2027;

 

G.M. No. 648

ROBERT LIETZKE,

for a term to expire 06-30-2027;

 

G.M. No. 649

KELLY UEOKA,

for a term to expire 06-30-2027;

 

G.M. No. 650

DION DIZON,

for a term to expire 06-30-2027;

 

G.M. No. 651

CARLA KUROKAWA,

for a term to expire 06-30-2026; and

 

G.M. No. 667

SHELLI IHORI,

for a term to expire 06-30-2027,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Derek Kanehira, B. Manu Bermudes, Robert Lietzke, Kelly Ueoka, Dion Dizon, Carla Kurokawa, and Shelli Ihori for service on the Hawai‘i Workforce Development Council.

 

DEREK KANEHIRA

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Derek Kanehira from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations; Hawai‘i Workforce Development Council; Optimize HR LLC; Alexander & Baldwin, Inc.; and eighteen individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Kanehira's knowledge and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be appointed to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council as a member from the private sector, including nonprofit organizations and businesses in the State, pursuant to section 202-1(b)(4), Hawaii Revised Statutes.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Kanehira has over thirty years of experience in human resources and is currently the Senior Vice President of Human Resources for Alexander & Baldwin, Inc.  Prior to that, he was the Vice President and Director of Human Services for the Hawaii Employers Council, a nonprofit association that provides human resource services to employers.  During the hearing, Mr. Kanehira noted the importance and benefit of bringing career opportunity discussions and conversations to students at a much younger age to encourage them to think about career options and increase school attendance.  Your Committee further notes Mr. Kanehira is a board member in several professional and community organizations, including the Hawaii Employers Council, Hawaii Compensation Group, and Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii.  Your Committee further finds that Mr. Kanehira has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and his extensive experience in human resources and community engagement will enhance the effectiveness of the Hawai‘i Workforce Development Council.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Derek Kanehira be appointed to the Hawai‘i Workforce Development Council based on his knowledge and dedication to public service.

 

 

B. MANU BERMUDES

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of B. Manu Bermudes from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations and Hawai‘i Workforce Development Council. 

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Bermudes' knowledge and desire to serve the public qualify her to be appointed to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council as a member from the private sector, including nonprofit organizations and businesses in the State, pursuant to section 202-1(b)(4), Hawaii Revised Statutes.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Bermudes has over thirty years of experience in human resources and is currently the Vice President of Human Resources and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company, Inc.  Prior to that, she was the Senior Human Resources Business Partner and Labor Relations for Par Hawaii Refinery.  Your Committee further notes Ms. Bermudes holds numerous certifications, including Senior Certified Professional and Workplace Investigative Specialist from the Society of Human Resources Management.  In her written statement, Ms. Bermudes asserted that she is confident that she can make a valuable contribution to the work of the Hawai‘i Workforce Development Council and is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in all of her work.  Your Committee further finds that Ms. Bermudes understands the role and responsibilities of board members and her extensive experience in workforce training and development will enhance the effectiveness of the Hawai‘i Workforce Development Council.  Your Committee therefore recommends that B. Manu Bermudes be appointed to the Hawai‘i Workforce Development Council based on her knowledge and desire to serve the public.

 

ROBERT LIETZKE

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Robert Lietzke from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Hawai‘i Workforce Development Council, and two individuals. 

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Lietzke's experience and desire to serve the public qualify him to be appointed to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council as a member from the private sector, including nonprofit organizations and businesses in the State, pursuant to section 202-1(b)(4), Hawaii Revised Statutes.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Lietzk earned a Bachelor of Science from the United States Air Force Academy and a Master of Science in Human Resource Management from Chapman University.  Mr. Lietzk has over thirty-two years of experience in military service and is currently a Vice President at Booz Allen Hamilton.  During the hearing, Mr. Lietzk spoke about his passion to leverage the defense industry, especially with the increased focus on the Indo-Pacific Region, to create a more resilient economy and attract, create, and retain qualified workers across the State.  Your Committee further notes Mr. Lietzk is also an active member in professional and community organizations, including the Omidyar Forum of Fellows, Hawaii Defense Alliance Steering Committee, and Military Affairs Council of the Hawaii Chamber of Commerce.  Your Committee further finds that Mr. Lietzk has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and his extensive experience in workforce modernization and passion for local workforce development will enhance the effectiveness of the Hawai‘i Workforce Development Council.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Robert Lietzk be appointed to the Hawai‘i Workforce Development Council based on his experience and desire to serve the public.

 

KELLY UEOKA

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Kelly Ueoka from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Hawai‘i Workforce Development Council, Parents and Children Together, and three individuals. 

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Ueoka's experience and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be reappointed to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council as a member from the private sector, including nonprofit organizations and businesses in the State, pursuant to section 202-1(b)(4), Hawaii Revised Statutes.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Ueoka earned a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Information Systems from Southern Oregon University.  He has over fifteen years of experience in technology and consulting and is currently the President of Paxca, one of Hawaii's largest, locally owned technology firms.  Your Committee further notes that under Mr. Ueoka's leadership, Paxca created the Huakai Workforce Development Program, which helps displaced workers obtain work opportunities in the technology sector by reskilling individuals through on-the-job participation and self-paced learning.  Your Committee further finds that Mr. Ueoka was appointed to the Hawai‘i Workforce Development Council in 2022 and is currently serving as the Vice Chair of its Finance and Performance Measures Committee.  He understands the role and responsibilities of board members and his leadership skills and extensive experience in information technology and workforce development will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Hawai‘i Workforce Development Council.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Kelly Ueoka be reappointed to the Hawai‘i Workforce Development Council based on his experience and dedication to public service.

 

DION DIZON

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Dion Dizon from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations; Hawai‘i Workforce Development Council; United Public Workers, AFSCME Local 646, AFL-CIO; Pride at Work - Hawai‘i Chapter; Hawaii Laborers & Employers Cooperation and Education Trust Fund; Hawaii Government Employees Association, AFSCME Local 152, AFL-CIO; Hawaii Ports Maritime Council; Island, REALTORS, LLC; University of Hawaii Center for Labor Education & Research; and three individuals. 

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Dizon's knowledge and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be reappointed to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council as a member from labor organizations and workforce training organizations, pursuant to section 202-1(b)(5), Hawaii Revised Statutes.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Dizon earned a Juris Doctorate from the William S. Richardson School of Law in 2022.  Your Committee further notes that she has been the Political Education Director for the Hawaii State AFL-CIO since April 2020 and a Real Estate Broker for Island, REALTORS, LLC, since June 2001.  Testimony in support of Ms. Dizon emphasized her attention to detail and enthusiasm for understanding workforce development issues.  During the hearing, she stated that early and clear communication of career pathways lends itself to intentional workforce development that fulfills the needs of the State.  Your Committee further finds that Ms. Dizon was appointed to the Hawai‘i Workforce Development Council in 2022 and her experience with labor, housing, and law will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Hawai‘i Workforce Development Council.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Dion Dizon be reappointed to the Hawai‘i Workforce Development Council based on her knowledge and dedication to public service.

 

CARLA KUROKAWA

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Carla Kurokawa from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Hawai‘i Workforce Development Council, and one individual. 

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Kurokawa's experience and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be appointed to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council as a member from a community-based native Hawaiian organization that operates workforce development programs, pursuant to section 202-1(b)(5), Hawaii Revised Statutes.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Kurokawa has almost forty years of experience at Alu Like, Inc., a private, nonprofit service organization that assists Native Hawaiians in achieving social and economic self-sufficiency, and is currently the Employment and Training Manager, where she administers the employment and training program on Hawaii Island.  During her time at Alu Like, Inc., Ms. Kurokawa has gained professional experience and expertise in administering and monitoring Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act programs and previous federal programs implemented under the Workforce Investment Act, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and the Job Training Partnership Act.  During the hearing, she stated that it is important to focus not only on the youth but also adults who are looking for employment opportunities.  Your Committee further notes that Ms. Kurokawa is an active member in professional and community organizations, including the American Job Center, Human Services Advisory Council of the Hawaii Community College, and Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce.  Your Committee further finds that Ms. Kurokawa understands the role and responsibilities of board members and her extensive experience in training program development and program assessment will enhance the effectiveness of the Hawai‘i Workforce Development Council.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Carla Kurokawa be appointed to the Hawai‘i Workforce Development Council based on her experience and desire to serve the public.

 

 

SHELLI IHORI

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Shelli Ihori from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations and Hawai‘i Workforce Development Council. 

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Ihori's knowledge and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be reappointed to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council as a member from labor organizations and workforce training organizations, pursuant to section 202-1(b)(5), Hawaii Revised Statutes.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Ihori received her Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Human Resource Management from the Shidler College of Business, University of Hawaii at Manoa.  Over the past seventeen years, Ms. Ihori has been the Associate Director of Workforce Development at Hawaii Pacific Health, where she gained professional knowledge and experience in program development, regulatory compliance, training development, and community partnerships in the health care industry.  In her written statement, Ms. Ihori stated that, with current recruitment and staffing challenges, she hopes to increase education for students and other members of the community relating to high demand careers that can lead to advancement and provide opportunities for training and upskilling to keep residents in the State.  Your Committee further finds that Ms. Ihori was appointed to the Hawai‘i Workforce Development Council in 2022 and her extensive experience in health care recruitment and community collaboration will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Hawai‘i Workforce Development Council.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Shelli Ihori be reappointed to the Hawai‘i Workforce Development Council based on her knowledge and dedication to public service.

 

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Labor and Technology that are attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, experience, and qualifications of the nominees, has found the nominees to be qualified for the positions to which nominated and recommends that the Senate advise and consent to the nominations.


 

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Labor and Technology,

 

 

 

____________________________

SHARON MORIWAKI, Chair