What's Being Discussed

New legislative representative: Council member Tui Scanlan is stepping down from the role of designated legislative representative. The committee will consider replacing him with member Chris Burnett for the 2027 state legislative session.
Executive Director performance review process: For the first time, the Council will set up a formal process to evaluate the Executive Director's job performance, as required by its own bylaws. No pay changes are involved.
Shift in workforce training focus: The Council wants to change the focus of its contract with the University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges — moving away from agriculture and toward manufacturing and advanced manufacturing as a priority industry.
Workforce Pell Grant update: Staff will share a progress report on the new federal Workforce Pell program, including timelines and what it could mean for job training programs in Hawaiʻi.
Executive Director's report: Updates on recent activities including a Future of Work conference, a Workforce Heroes recognition event, an AI symposium series, and other ongoing projects.

Decisions Expected

Vote on designating Chris Burnett as a legislative representative for 2027
Vote on how to set up the Executive Director evaluation process
Vote on shifting the UHCC contract focus to manufacturing

All three decisions will be forwarded to the full Council board for final action on November 12, 2026.

Who Should Pay Attention

Job seekers and workers interested in training opportunities in Hawaiʻi
Employers in the manufacturing sector
Community college students and staff
Anyone interested in how Hawaiʻi uses federal workforce funding