STAND. COM. REP. NO. 4087

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 691, 692, 693, 694, 695, 696, 714, 715, 716, 746

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Labor, Culture and the Arts, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 691, 692, 693, 694, 695, 696, 714, 715, 716, and 746, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

Hawaii Workforce Development Council

 

G.M. No. 691

TRANG MALONE,

for a term to expire 06-30-2025;

 

G.M. No. 692

KEITH DEMELLO,

for a term to expire 06-30-2025;

 

G.M. No. 693

GERALD SCHMITZ,

for a term to expire 06-30-2022;

 

G.M. No. 694

GERALD SCHMITZ,

for a term to expire 06-30-2026;

 

G.M. No. 695

DION DIZON,

for a term to expire 06-30-2023;

 

G.M. No. 696

SCOTT COLLINS,

for a term to expire 06-30-2024;

 

G.M. No. 714

KELLY UEOKA,

for a term to expire 06-30-2023;

 

G.M. No. 715

SHANNON OKINAKA,

for a term to expire 06-30-2025;

 

G.M. No. 716

SEAN KNOX,

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

 

G.M. No. 746

RONA FUKUMOTO,

for a term to expire 06-30-2025,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Trang Malone, Keith DeMello, Gerald Schmitz, Dion Dizon, Scott Collins, Kelly Ueoka, Shannon Okinaka, Sean Knox, and Rona Fukumoto for service on the Hawaii Workforce Development Council.

 

TRANG MALONE

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Trang Malone from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations and Hawaii Workforce Development Council.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Malone's twenty-seven years of service in the United States Army, experience and knowledge in human resources and workforce development, and commitment to public service qualify her to be appointed to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council.  Ms. Malone earned her Master of Arts degree in Human Resource Management from the Hawaii Pacific University.  She served with the United States Army from 1993 to 2020 in various positions in the fields of human resources and health care, including as the Administrative Director of the Public Health Command in Honolulu; Chief Compliance Officer and Chief People Officer of the Eighteenth Medical Command at Fort Shafter, Hawaii; Chief People Officer with the Evans Army Hospital in Fort Carson, Colorado; and Chief Human Resources Officer with the Medical Department Personnel Proponent in Fort Sam Houston, Texas.  Thereafter, Ms. Malone served as a Human Resources Business Partner and Workforce Excellence Fellow with The Institute for Human Services, where she was the lead project manager in determining the process to launch a new clinical department, including recruitment, credentialing, training, and education.  Ms. Malone is currently the Workforce Initiatives Advisor for CVS Health, where she creates workforce development programs in collaboration with government, non-government, and non-profit organization partners that support education, training, healthy living, and career opportunities, aimed to build healthy and strong communities with a focus towards underserved communities.  Her commitment to public service and the community is evidenced by her volunteering her services to various organizations including the American Red Cross of Hawaii, New Hope Central Oahu, and Hanalani Schools.

 

     Your Committee notes that section 202-1(b)(4), Hawaii Revised Statutes, requires the Hawaii Workforce Development Council to have seventeen representatives from the private sector, including nonprofit organizations and businesses in the State.  If appointed, Ms. Malone will serve as one of the members fulfilling this statutory requirement.

 

     Your Committee finds that Ms. Malone's extensive experience as a human resources professional in health care, professional knowledge on workforce development, and long-term career in the United States Army will contribute greatly to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council, especially for its committees on Military and Veterans Affairs and Employer Engagement.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Trang Malone be appointed to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council.

 

KEITH DEMELLO

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Keith DeMello from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations; Hawaii Workforce Development Council; Marketing Management, Inc.; Ulupono Initiative; Hawaii Friends of Civil Rights; Transform Hawaii Government; and three individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. DeMello's over two decades of experience in the field of communications and public relations qualify him to be appointed to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council.  Mr. DeMello earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism with a focus on Public Relations from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.  He is currently the Director of Communications and Community with the Ulupono Initiative, a for-profit investment firm, for which Mr. DeMello leads its communications and community outreach initiatives to establish a more sustainable and resilient Hawaii, primarily in key sectors such as locally produced food, renewable energy, clean transportation, and better management of freshwater and waste.  Mr. DeMello's professional experience includes serving as the Vice President of Public and Government Affairs with the Anthology Marketing Group; Senior Communications Manager with the State's Office of Enterprise Technology Services; and Deputy Director of Communications and Communications Manager with the Office of the Governor.  In 2020, Mr. DeMello received the President's Leadership Award from the Public Relations Society of America – Hawaii Chapter in recognition of his significant contributions to the success of the chapter and the profession.  Mr. DeMello is an active member of the community, serving on the boards of the Honolulu Zoological Society, Portuguese Chamber of Commerce, and Hawaii chapters of the Public Relations Society of American and the American Advertising Federation.

 

     Your Committee notes that section 202-1(b)(4), Hawaii Revised Statutes, requires the Hawaii Workforce Development Council to have seventeen representatives from the private sector, including nonprofit organizations and businesses in the State.  If appointed, Mr. DeMello will serve as one of the members fulfilling this statutory requirement.

 

     Your Committee finds that Mr. DeMello's extensive experience in implementing and leading strategic communications and public information programs in the public and private sectors will be great assets to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Keith DeMello be appointed to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council.

 

GERALD SCHMITZ

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nominations for the appointment and reappointment of Gerald Schmitz from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations and Hawaii Workforce Development Council.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Schmitz's twenty-two years of service as an officer in the United States Army and experience working in partnership with the armed forces on various privatized military housing projects qualify him to be appointed to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council.  Mr. Schmitz earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Systems Engineering from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and a Master of Arts degree in Business from Webster University.  Mr. Schmitz served in the United States Army from 1983 to 2005, during which he served in leadership positions with tactical Army units in the Continental U.S., Germany, and Hawaii.  Mr. Schmitz culminated his military career as the twenty-fifth infantry division's officer in charge of fielding, training, and coordinating facilities and resources, paving the way for effective reorganization, equipping, and training of Army units in Hawaii.  Mr. Schmitz retired from the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2005 and transitioned into civilian life, joining Lendlease (US) Public Partnerships LLC to help lead the organization's Island Palm Communities project in Hawaii, the largest military housing privatization project awarded by the Army.  Mr. Schmitz is currently the company's Senior Vice President and General Manager, responsible for the Island Palm Communities project, another Army partnership project in Alaska, and the organization's portfolio of U.S. Air Force privatized military housing projects located in Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico, comprising more than 19,600 homes.

 

     Your Committee notes that section 202-1(b)(4), Hawaii Revised Statutes, requires the Hawaii Workforce Development Council to have seventeen representatives from the private sector, including nonprofit organizations and businesses in the State.  If appointed, Mr. Schmitz will serve as one of the members fulfilling this statutory requirement.

 

     Your Committee finds that Mr. Schmitz's extensive experience in leadership positions within the United States Army, knowledge in developing training programs, and expertise in working in partnership with various branches of the armed forces will contribute greatly to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council, especially for the committee on Military and Veterans Affairs.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Gerald Schmitz be appointed and reappointed to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council.

 

DION DIZON

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nominations for the appointment of Dion Dizon from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations; Hawaii Workforce Development Council; Hawaii Operating Engineers Industry Stabilization Fund; Hawaii Government Employees Association, AFSCME Local 152, AFL‑CIO; Hawaii Operating Engineers Local Union No. 3; University of Hawaii-West Oahu Center for Labor Education and Research; Hawaii Laborers-Employers Cooperation and Education Trust; United Public Workers, AFSCME Local 646, AFL-CIO; Hawaii Ports Maritime Council; and one individual.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Dizon's current employment with the Hawaii State AFL-CIO and extensive experience working with various unions in different industries qualify her to be appointed to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council.  Ms. Dizon is currently the Political Director of the Hawaii State AFL-CIO, responsible for administering its political education program, which educates AFL‑CIO affiliate unions and their members on matters relating to legislative and elections processes. In this capacity, Ms. Dizon works closely with various unions to provide educational outreach and other support for their members.  Ms. Dizon is also a real estate broker leading a team of agents in foreclosure intervention for homeowners and assisting in training new agents.  From 2011 to 2019, Ms. Dizon served as the local representative for the Office & Professional Employees International Union, Local 277, appointed to the Labor Education Advisory Council at the University of Hawaii-West Oahu Center for Labor Education and Research.  During this time, she also served on the Aloha United Way Board as a labor representative.  Ms. Dizon earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Hawaii-West Oahu and is currently attending the University of Hawaii at Manoa William S. Richardson School of Law, where she is expected to earn her Juris Doctor degree.  Furthermore, Ms. Dizon volunteers as a mediator at the Mediation Center of the Pacific, mediating small and regular claims filed with the state district courts in Waianae and Ewa.

 

Your Committee notes that section 202-1(b)(5), Hawaii Revised Statutes, requires the Hawaii Workforce Development Council to have eight representatives from labor organizations and workforce training organizations.  If appointed, Ms. Dizon will serve as one of the members fulfilling this statutory requirement.

 

     Your Committee finds that Ms. Dizon's comprehensive understanding of the needs of Hawaii's workforce acquired through her employment with the Hawaii State AFL-CIO and Office & Professional Employees International Union Local 277 will be instrumental in enhancing the collaboration and partnerships among the public workforce system and Hawaii's labor unions.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Dion Dizon be appointed to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council.

 

SCOTT COLLINS

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Scott Collins from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations; Hawaii Workforce Development Council; Hawaii Government Employees Association, AFSCME Local 152, AFL‑CIO; and five individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Collins' background and current employment with the Hawaii Government Employees Association (HGEA) qualify him to be appointed to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council.  Mr. Collins earned his Bachelor's degree in Sociology from the University of Hawaii at Manoa; Master's degree in Human Resources Management from the University of Hawaii at Manoa Shidler College of Business; and his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa William S. Richardson School of Law.  He joined the HGEA in 2014 and quickly ascended to a management role. Starting as a union agent, Mr. Collins was responsible for conducting investigations and assessments of grievances and benefit claims filed by its members; developing recommendations for and assisting in the preparation of grievance arbitrations; and advising the members, stewards, and union agents on governing contract provisions, rules, and procedures.  He was promoted to Hawaii Island Division Chief in 2019, where he was responsible for the management of the organization's Hawaii Island Office, including projecting and preparing the division's budget; provision of field services; contract administration including handling grievances and arbitrations; and training and education of members and stewards.  Mr. Collins also served as the lead staff in the governance of and negotiations for Bargaining Unit 13 comprising professional and scientific employees who cannot be included in any of the other bargaining units.  Since March 2021, Mr. Collins has been serving as a Field Services Officer, responsible for managing the HGEA's Member Services Center that handles all incoming calls and emails from the members and public.  Mr. Collins also supervises the HGEA's Advocacy section that administers all investigations, grievances, and arbitrations for the island of Oahu.

 

Your Committee notes that section 202-1(b)(5), Hawaii Revised Statutes, requires the Hawaii Workforce Development Council to have eight representatives from labor organizations and workforce training organizations.  If appointed, Mr. Collins will serve as one of the members fulfilling this statutory requirement.

 

     Your Committee finds that Mr. Collins' education and hands-on experience and knowledge in public sector employment, including the governing rules and contracts, grievance and arbitration process, and collective bargaining negotiations and procedures, will contribute greatly to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Scott Collins be appointed to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council.

 

KELLY UEOKA

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Kelly Ueoka from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations; Hawaii Workforce Development Council; Chamber of Commerce Hawaii; and one individual.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Ueoka's over fifteen years of expertise in the fields of information technology, his experience in creating and operating workforce development programs, and commitment to public service qualify him to be appointed to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council.  Mr. Ueoka is currently the President of Hoike Networks, Inc., doing business as Pacxa, a locally owned technology services group that harnesses the power of technologies to help local businesses realize their full potential.  Mr. Ueoka understands that development of a career in the field of information technology enables individuals to earn sustainable living wages and therefor improve the economic trajectories of those individuals and their families.  Under Mr. Ueoka's leadership, Pacxa created and operates the Huakai Workforce Development Program with the goal of nurturing and developing a resilient local information technology workforce, including assisting displaced workers to obtain opportunities in the information technology field by providing them with various types of skills training.  Mr. Ueoka's commitment to public service is evidenced by his service on various boards and organizations, including serving as a member of the Board of Directors of Parents and Children Together; Department of Education Pathway Advisory Committee; and James Campbell High School Academy of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math Advisory Board.

 

     Your Committee notes that section 202-1(b)(4), Hawaii Revised Statutes, requires the Hawaii Workforce Development Council to have seventeen representatives from the private sector, including nonprofit organizations and businesses in the State.  If appointed, Mr. Ueoka will serve as one of the members fulfilling this statutory requirement.

 

     Your Committee finds that Mr. Ueoka's leadership skills, strategic thinking, and experience in establishing and operating workforce development programs for the information technology field will contribute greatly to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Kelly Ueoka be appointed to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council.

 

SHANNON OKINAKA

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for reappointment of Shannon Okinaka from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations; Hawaii Workforce Development Council; and Hawaiian Airlines, Inc.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Okinaka's nearly twenty years of professional expertise in accounting, finance, and investor relations qualify her to be reappointed to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council.  Ms. Okinaka is currently the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Hawaiian Airlines, Inc.  In this capacity, Ms. Okinaka has supported various programs that enhance career development, given individuals the opportunity to serve in the aviation sector through internships, and has provided executive leadership and support to ensure the company's financial strength, which in large part is reliant on having a skilled and available workforce.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Okinaka has been serving on the Hawaii Workforce Development Council since 2016, and is currently the Chair of its Finance Committee and a member of its Executive Committee.  The testimony of the Hawaii Workforce Development Council attests to Ms. Okinaka's contributions, including her ability to provide transparency in financial reporting to the Executive Committee and the full membership.

 

     Your Committee notes that section 202-1(b)(4), Hawaii Revised Statutes, requires the Hawaii Workforce Development Council to have seventeen representatives from the private sector, including nonprofit organizations and businesses in the State.  If reappointed, Ms. Okinaka will serve as one of the members fulfilling this statutory requirement.

 

     Your Committee finds that Ms. Okinaka's expertise in finance and her knowledge pertaining to business needs will continue to be great assets to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Shannon Okinaka be reappointed to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council.

 

SEAN KNOX

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Sean Knox from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Hawaii Workforce Development Council, and HiEmployment.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Knox's over twenty-three years of experience in providing professional staffing services in Hawaii qualify him to be reappointed to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council.  Mr. Knox is currently the President, Chief Executive Officer, and owner of Hawaii Employment Services, Inc., with offices located throughout the State.  In this capacity, Mr. Knox oversees the recruitment, hiring, and placement of over two thousand individuals a year in various sectors across the State.  Prior to his current position, Mr. Knox served as the President and owner of POI Employment LLC, a professional employer organization that he established in 2005 to assist employers in Hawaii to secure temporary administrative and accounting professionals.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Knox has been serving on the Hawaii Workforce Development Council since 2016, in various positions including the Chair and Vice Chair of its Performance Measures and Accountability Committee, Assistant Vice Chair of the full Council, and member of its Executive Committee.  The testimony of the Hawaii Workforce Development Council attests to Mr. Knox's contributions, namely, his strong understanding and strategic overview of the needs and gaps in the workforce system with a statewide perspective.

 

     Your Committee notes that section 202-1(b)(4), Hawaii Revised Statutes, requires the Hawaii Workforce Development Council to have seventeen representatives from the private sector, including nonprofit organizations and businesses in the State.  If reappointed, Mr. Knox will serve as one of the members fulfilling this statutory requirement.

 

     Your Committee finds that Mr. Knox's extensive experience and knowledge in job placement and employment services in Hawaii will continue to contribute greatly to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Sean Knox be reappointed to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council.

 

RONA FUKUMOTO

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Rona Fukumoto from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations; Hawaii Workforce Development Council; S&P Holdings, Inc.; Hawaii Pacific Health; and nine individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Fukumoto's extensive experience in and commitment to serving the community through nonprofit organizations to assist underserved populations and individuals with special needs qualify her to be appointed to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council.  Ms. Fukumoto is currently the President and Chief Executive Officer of Lanakila Pacific, a local community-based organization whose mission is to build independence for individuals with cognitive, physical, social, or age-related challenges.  In this role, she provides leadership for a workforce of one hundred eighty individuals, of which seventy-five percent of the direct service workforce is comprised of individuals with significant disabilities.  Prior to her current position, Ms. Fukumoto served as the Vice President of Programs and Mission Advancement at Lanakila Pacific, responsible for overall administration and development of its human service programs, including Meals on Wheels, Training and Advocacy, and Teaching and Learning Centers.  Her strong commitment to expand workforce opportunities, especially for individuals with disabilities, is evidenced throughout her work at Lanakila Pacific, including leading an effort to increase the focus on and availability of opportunities for individuals with autism to enter into training and employment programs.  She has also provided support for holistic employment opportunities that benefit many sectors, including taking the lead on helping establish a food hub that would provide a stable market for local farmers, provide jobs and training for processors, and increase the availability of fresh foods for seniors receiving delivered meals.  Ms. Fukumoto's professional experience also includes various leadership positions with Catholic Charities Hawaii and Winners at Work, devoting twenty-five years to supporting and enriching the lives of those in need.  Ms. Fukumoto's commitment to public service is also evidenced by her service on various boards, including her current service on the Catholic Charities Housing Development Corporation Board of Directors and Access to Justice Commission as well as her service on the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation from 2014 to 2021.

 

     Your Committee notes that section 202-1(b)(4), Hawaii Revised Statutes, requires the Hawaii Workforce Development Council to have seventeen representatives from the private sector, including nonprofit organizations and businesses in the State.  If appointed, Ms. Fukumoto will serve as one of the members fulfilling this statutory requirement.

 

Your Committee finds that Ms. Fukumoto's professional experience in and commitment to assist the underserved population and individuals with special needs, including establishment of a vibrant and inclusive workforce in Hawaii, will be great assets to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council.  Therefore, your Committee recommends that Rona Fukumoto be appointed to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council.

 

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Labor, Culture and the Arts 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, Culture and the Arts,

 

 

 

____________________________

BRIAN T. TANIGUCHI, Chair