SSCR1951

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1951

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 502, 581, 690

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. 502, 581, and 690, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Hawai'i Workforce Development Council

G.M. No. 502

KEN LOUI,

for a term to expire 06-30-2028;

G.M. No. 581

JARED HIGASHI,

for a term to expire 06-30-2025; and

G.M. No. 690

JARED HIGASHI,

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 Ken Loui and Jared Higashi for service on the Hawaiʻi Workforce Development Council.

KEN LOUI

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Ken Loui from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Workforce Development Council; IATSE Local 665; and eight individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Loui's experience, knowledge, and proven leadership qualify him to be nominated for reappointment to the Hawaiʻi Workforce Development Council as a member representing the private sector, including nonprofit organizations and businesses in the State. Your Committee notes that Mr. Loui currently works as the Chief Executive Officer of Pacific Marine & Supply Company, LTD. In this role, Mr. Loui has led efforts to expand the State's skilled labor workforce, modernize operations, and improve training pipelines for technical and trade positions. Mr. Loui has cultivated deep expertise in workforce training, industry partnerships, and economic growth strategies during his thirty plus years in the private sector and military service. Your Committee further finds that Mr. Loui has served on the Council since 2021 and as Chair since 2023. Testifiers expressed their satisfaction with his leadership and admiration of his strategic vision for the Council's future. Mr. Loui's experience and knowledge, especially of the State's valuable construction and maritime industries, will continue to be assets to the Council. Your Committee therefore recommends that Ken Loui be reappointed to the Hawaiʻi Workforce Development Council based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

JARED HIGASHI

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nominations for the appointment and reappointment of Jared Higashi from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Department of Education, Workforce Development Council, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and two individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Jared Higashi's experience, knowledge, and dedication to community service qualify him to be nominated for appointment and reappointment to the Hawaiʻi Workforce Development Council as a member representing the private sector, including nonprofit organizations and businesses in the State. Your Committee notes that Mr. Higashi has worked in the tourism sector for eleven years. He currently serves as Vice President of Government and Community Affairs for the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association. In this role, Mr. Higashi leads workforce development initiatives, coordinates community outreach efforts, and partners with public and private stakeholders to advocate for worker-friendly policies. He has cultivated extensive knowledge of the State's robust tourism industry, which will be a valuable asset to the Council as it addresses the recent decline in the available workforce pipeline faced by the visitor industry. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Higashi is also an active member of professional and community organizations, including Hospitality's Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs, which he founded, and Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaiʻi. Based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to serving his community, your Committee recommends that Jared Higashi be appointed and reappointed to the Hawaiʻi Workforce Development Council.

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

GM 690

Current Status:

Senate Standing Committee on Labor and Technology

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