What's Being Discussed

The Hawaii Workforce Development Council's Performance Management and Finance Committee is meeting to review the council's finances and program results. Key topics include:

• Federal workforce grant spending: A review of how Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds are being spent, including current budgets and spending trends.
• Program performance goals: An update on statewide targets for adult, dislocated worker, and youth employment programs for 2027 and 2028.
• Current-year spending (FY 2026): How the council is using its state-funded budget, including contracts with University of Hawaii Community Colleges for workforce partnerships and partial funding for an AI Institute event on August 11, 2026.
• Proposed budget for FY 2027: A look at the council's recommended spending plan for the coming fiscal year.
• Director's activity report: Updates on ongoing projects including an AI symposium series, workforce training reform, an industry listening session, and planning for the Synergy Summit III on August 3, 2026.

Decisions Expected

• The committee is expected to vote on recommendations for how to use FY 2026 state funds.
• The committee will also vote on a proposed FY 2027 budget. Both recommendations will be forwarded to the Executive Committee on August 10, 2026 for final action.

Who Should Pay Attention

• Job seekers and workers affected by state employment and training programs
• Employers looking for a skilled workforce in Hawaii
• Educators and training providers, particularly University of Hawaii and community colleges
• Residents on Kauai, as the council is planning a transition in how local workforce services are governed there