What's Being Discussed

The Oahu Workforce Development Board (OWDB) Special Projects Committee is meeting on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, from 10:00–11:00 a.m. Topics on the agenda include:

• One-Stop career center location: An update on where a comprehensive job services center will be located on Oʻahu
• Board membership process: How board member terms will be staggered so not everyone's seat comes up at the same time
• New sub-committees: Possible creation of a Military and Veterans Affairs Sub-Committee and a Youth Sub-Committee focused on internships, apprenticeships, and job training for young people
• New workforce programs: Ideas for pilot initiatives to help Oʻahu residents find and keep good jobs
• Workforce research: Studies on issues like outmigration, labor shortages, wages, automation, and the connection between housing and employment
• Government and community partnerships: Coordinating with city, state, federal agencies, schools, and nonprofits on workforce projects
• Federal law training: Training on the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) for board members and service provider staff
• Local Plan update: A revised WIOA Local Plan was submitted on September 1, 2026, and will be reviewed

Decisions Expected

• Approval of meeting minutes from June 9 and August 17, 2026
• Possible votes on forming the new Military/Veterans and Youth sub-committees

Who Should Pay Attention

• Job seekers and unemployed residents looking for career services
• Veterans and military families on Oʻahu
• Young people and youth-serving organizations interested in workforce programs
• Employers and workforce training providers who partner with the board
• Anyone concerned about Hawaiʻi's economy, wages, or outmigration