STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3826

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 759

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Labor and Technology, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 759, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Hawai'i Workforce Development Council

G.M. No. 759

CHRISTOPHER BURNETT for a term to expire 06-30-2030,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Christopher Burnett for service on the Hawaii Workforce Development Council.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Christopher Burnett from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations; United Public Workers, AFSCME Local 646, AFL-CIO; International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, District Council 50; Hawaii Ports Maritime Council; Pride at Work-Hawaiʻi; Hawaii State AFL-CIO; and Hawaii Government Employees Association, AFSCME Local 152, AFL‑CIO.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Burnett's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be appointed to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council as a member representative of labor organizations and workforce training organizations. Your Committee notes that Mr. Burnett has more than sixteen years of experience in the fields of labor relations, workforce issues, and organizational operations, developed through his employment with various labor organizations and nonprofit organizations. He currently serves as the Director of the Committee on Political Education for Hawaii State AFL-CIO, where he represents the organization in the legislative process and works in coordination with affiliated labor organizations to identify areas of critical workforce need and advance workforce opportunities and career pathways designed to attract and retain workers. Previously, Mr. Burnett served as the Statewide Director of Field Services and Business Agent for United Public Workers, a Union Agent for the Hawaii Government Employees Association, and a Program Coordinator for Helping Hands Hawaii. Through this experience, Mr. Burnett has gained substantial knowledge of workforce needs across various sectors, including maritime, construction trades, health care, creative industries, tourism, and public employment. Your Committee finds that Mr. Burnett has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and his extensive experience in labor and workforce issues will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Hawaii Workforce Development Council. Your Committee therefore recommends that Christopher Burnett be appointed to the Workforce Development Council based on his knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Labor and Technology that is attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, experience, and qualifications of the nominee, has found the nominee to be qualified for the position to which nominated and recommends that the Senate advise and consent to the nomination.

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

____________________________

BRANDON J.C. ELEFANTE, Chair