STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1952

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 717, 728, 744

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Labor and Technology, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 717, 728, and 744, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Hawai'i Workforce Development Council

G.M. No. 717	SCOTT COLLINS, for a term to expire 06-30-2028;
G.M. No. 728	PANE MEATOGA III, for a term to expire 06-30-2029; and
G.M. No. 744	AMBER AKANA, for a term to expire 06-30-2029,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Scott Collins, Pane Meatoga III, and Amber Akana for service on the Hawaiʻi Workforce Development Council.

SCOTT COLLINS

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Scott Collins from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations; Hawaiʻi Workforce Development Council; Hawaii Government Employees Association, AFSCME Local 152, AFL-CIO; United Public Workers, AFSCME Local 646, AFL-CIO; Hawaii State AFL-CIO; Hawaiʻi Nurses Association ‑ OPEIU Local 50, AFL-CIO; Hawaii Ports Maritime Council; and one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Collins' experience, knowledge, and proven leadership on the Hawaii Workforce Development Council qualify him to be nominated for reappointment to the Council as a member representing labor organizations and workforce training organizations. Your Committee notes that Mr. Collins has over a decade of experience in labor relations, negotiations, collective bargaining, and legislative advocacy. He is currently a field services officer with the Hawaii Government Employees Association, AFSCME Local 152, AFL-CIO (HGEA), where he supervises the Member Services Center and Advocacy section, and oversees all nine HGEA bargaining units for the upcoming round of collective bargaining negotiations with the employer group. Testifiers expressed that Mr. Collins' educational background with a Bachelor's degree in Sociology, Master's degree in Human Resources Management, and Juris Doctor Degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, grants him a uniquely comprehensive perspective on the State's workforce development issues. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Collins has been serving on the Council since 2022 and thus has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of its members. Your Committee believes that Mr. Collins' knowledge of the needs and challenges of the State's diverse public sector workforce will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Council. Your Committee therefore recommends that Scott Collins be reappointed to the Hawaiʻi Workforce Development Council based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

PANE MEATOGA III

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Pane Meatoga III from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations; Hawaiʻi Workforce Development Council; United Public Workers, AFSCME Local 646, AFL‑CIO; Hawaii Government Employees Association, AFSCME Local 152, AFL-CIO; Hawaiʻi Nurses' Association – OPEIU Local 50; Laʻie Community Association; Hawaii State AFL-CIO; Activities & Attractions Association of Hawaii, Inc.; International Union of Operating Engineers Local 3, AFL-CIO; Polynesian Cultural Center; Hawaii Laborers & Employers Cooperation and Education Trust; Hawaii Ports Maritime Council; Hawaiʻi Regional Council of Carpenters; Pacific Resource Partnership; University of Hawaii Professional Assembly; ClimbHI; and two individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, Your Committee finds that Mr. Meatoga's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be nominated for appointment to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council as a member representing labor organizations and workforce training organizations. Your Committee notes that Mr. Meatoga is currently the Deputy Political Director for Hawaii Operating Engineers Local 3, AFL-CIO, where he works to expand workforce training opportunities through legislative advocacy and promotes fair hiring practices on public projects. He further cultivated knowledge of training and apprenticeship programs for the trades through his work coordinating legislative directives with the Hawaii Operating Engineers Journeymen and Apprentice Training Center. Mr. Meatoga previously worked as the Community Liaison for the Hawaii Operating Engineers Industry Stabilization Fund, where he developed expertise in construction workforce issues and lobbying in support of workforce development initiatives. Your Committee finds that Mr. Meatoga has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of council members and his extensive experience in labor organizations and knowledge in workforce training and apprenticeship programs will enhance the effectiveness of the Council. Your Committee therefore recommends that Pane Meatoga III be appointed to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

AMBER AKANA

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Amber Akana from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations; United Public Workers, AFSCME Local 646, AFL-CIO; Hawaii Government Employees Association, AFSCME Local 152, AFL-CIO; Hawaii State AFL-CIO; Marine Firemen's Union; Hawaiʻi Nurses' Association – OPEIU Local 50; Hawaii Ports Maritime Council; and two individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Akana's background and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be nominated for appointment to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council as a member representing labor organizations and workforce training organizations. Your Committee notes that Ms. Akana is currently the Safety Director and Business Representative for Seafarers International Union, where she has worked for thirteen years. In this role, she engages in recruitment initiatives, addresses members' concerns, and oversees the assignment of crew members to available positions on multiple vessels operated by various contractors. She has personally recruited and mentored young professionals, guiding recruits from apprenticeship programs to secure job placements. Ms. Akana's professional background as a union representative in the maritime sector has led her to value industry-specific workforce development strategies. Testifiers noted that Ms. Akana's knowledge of the maritime industry would be an asset to the Council, given the industry's central role in the State's economy. Your Committee finds that Ms. Akana has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of council members and her extensive knowledge of the maritime industry and experience in recruitment and training will enhance the effectiveness of the Council. Your Committee therefore recommends that Amber Akana be appointed to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council based on her experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

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

____________________________

HENRY J.C. AQUINO, Chair