STAND. COM. REP. NO. 4088

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 764, 765, 777, 778

 

 

 

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. 764, 765, 777, and 778, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

Hawaii Workforce Development Council

 

G.M. No. 764

CHERYL CROSS,

for a term to expire 06-30-2026;

 

G.M. No. 765

SHELLI IHORI,

for a term to expire 06-30-2023;

 

G.M. No. 777

LORNA WOO,

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

 

G.M. No. 778

EILEEN CALDWELL,

for a term to expire 06-30-2026,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Cheryl Cross, Shelli Ihori, Lorna Woo, and Eileen Caldwell for service on the Hawaii Workforce Development Council.

 

CHERYL CROSS

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Cheryl Cross from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Hawaii Workforce Development Council, and one individual.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Cross's thirty-five years of professional experience in the areas of human resources, talent management and acquisition, training, marketing, and communications, qualify her to be appointed to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council.  Ms. Cross is currently an independent management consultant for small to medium size businesses working directly for short term turn-around and build-out engagements.  Prior to her current position, Ms. Cross spent six years at Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc. in talent acquisition and management, filling openings with Department of Defense funded positions in Hawaii.  Ms. Cross has been serving as a volunteer public member on the Hawaii Workforce Development Council's Employer Engagement Committee since 2018 and is therefore familiar with the Council's role and its responsibilities.  Ms. Cross's commitment to the community and public service is evidenced in her serving as a Commissioner on the Los Angeles County City of Hermosa Beach's Emergency Preparedness Advisory Council, during which she dedicated her efforts to the education, communications, and training initiatives for the city, region, and State of California.  Ms. Cross has been an active member of the Organization of Women Leaders-Oahu, from which Ms. Cross received the "Woman of the Year" award in 2020, and for which Ms. Cross is currently its President-elect with her term beginning in 2023.

 

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

 

     Your Committee finds that Ms. Cross's extensive experience in human resources and communications, leadership skills, and understanding of workforce needs will contribute greatly to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Cheryl Cross be appointed to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council.

 


SHELLI IHORI

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Shelli Ihori from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Hawaii Workforce Development Council, Hawaii Pacific Health, and one individual.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Ihori's background and sixteen years of professional experience in the area of workforce development with Hawaii Pacific Health, one of the largest non-profit health care organizations in Hawaii with more than 7,100 employees, qualify her to be appointed to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council.  Ms. Ihori received her Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Human Resources Management degrees from the Shidler College of Business, University of Hawaii at Manoa.  Ms. Ihori is currently the Associate Director of Workforce Development for Hawaii Pacific Health, a position she has held since April 2006.  Ms. Ihori's scope of work as Associate Director of Workforce Development involves partnering with educational institutions and the community at large to increase awareness of healthcare occupations, through which she acquired professional knowledge and experience in program development, regulatory compliance, training development, and community partnerships in the healthcare industry.  Having served on the Kauai Workforce Development Board, Ms. Ihori is also familiar with the role and responsibilities of the Hawaii Workforce Development Council.

 

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

 

     Your Committee finds that Ms. Ihori's focused experience in healthcare recruitment, retention, accreditation compliance, and collaboration with educational institutions will be valuable assets to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Shelli Ihori be appointed to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council.

 


LORNA WOO

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Lorna Woo from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations; Hawaii Workforce Development Council; International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, District Council 50; Finishing Trades Institute/International Union of Painters and Allied Trades Labor Management Cooperation Initiative; Hawaii State AFL-CIO; Pride at Work - Hawaii; Hawaii Government Employees Association, AFSCME Local 152, AFL‑CIO; Local Union No. 120 of the International Union of Elevator Constructors; Painting Industry of Hawaii Labor Management Cooperation Trust Fund; Hawaii Tapers Market Recovery Trust Fund; Hawaii Glaziers, Architectural Metal Glassworkers Local Union 1889 AFL-CIO Stabilization Trust Fund; Carpet, Linoleum and Soft Tile Local Union 1926 Market Recovery Trust Fund; Hawaii Laborers-Employers Cooperation and Education Trust; Hawaii Nurses' Association, OPEIU Local 50; Hawaii Electricians Market Enhancement Program; International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union No. 1186; Hawaii Building & Construction Trades Council; and five individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Woo's fifteen years of service with the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, District Council 50 qualify her to be appointed to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council.  Ms. Woo is currently the Director of Government Affairs for the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, District Council 50, serving as a lobbyist that oversees labor legislation, political programs, and the candidate endorsement process.  Ms. Woo also serves as District Council 50's Communications Director, managing its social media and marketing campaigns.  Prior to her current positions, Ms. Woo served as the union's Business Development Specialist.  As an advocate for policies that best serve working men and women in Hawaii, Ms. Woo understands the importance of dedicated workforce development initiatives that provide people with career opportunities.  She has recently cultivated relationships with youth and adult program services who assist individuals with disabilities, homeless individuals, and those who are transitioning back into the workforce.  Ms. Woo is also working to launch an intern program that will provide individuals with on-the-job training, and upon successful completion of the program, admission into the trade's apprenticeship program.  Ms. Woo's commitment to workforce development is also evidenced by her service on the Labor Education Advisory Council for the University of Hawaii – West Oahu Center for Labor Education and Research. Having served on the Oahu Workforce Development Board, Ms. Woo is also familiar with the role and responsibilities of the Hawaii Workforce Development Council.

 

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

 

     Your Committee finds that Ms. Woo's comprehensive understanding of the needs of Hawaii's workforce acquired through her employment with the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, District Council 50 will contribute greatly to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Lorna Woo be appointed to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council.

 

EILEEN CALDWELL

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Eileen Caldwell from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations; Hawaii Workforce Development Council; Wailea Beach Resort-Marriott, Maui; Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association; and two individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Caldwell's twenty-five years of experience in human resources management in Hawaii qualify her to be appointed to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council.  Ms. Caldwell earned her Master of Arts degree in Human Resources Management from Hawaii Pacific University.  She is currently the Area Director of Human Resources for Marriott International, Inc.'s operations in Hawaii and French Polynesia, where she oversees the management of human resources for Marriott-managed resorts in the region, including recruitment, training and development, employee engagement, and benefits and labor relations for approximately six thousand union and non-union employees.  Prior to her current position, she served as the Director of Human Resources at Westin Maui Resort and Spa and in various human resources positions at Starwood Hotels and Resorts and its successor Marriott International.  Your Committee notes that during her employment at the Sheraton Maui Resort, the resort was awarded Employer of the Year by the Department of Human Services' Division of Vocational Rehabilitation in recognition of its commitment to hiring community members with physical or cognitive disabilities.

 

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

 

     Your Committee finds that Ms. Caldwell's comprehensive and multi-faceted perspective of the needs and challenges of the current and future workforce in the hospitality industry will be valuable assets to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Eileen Caldwell 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