👷 LABOR & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

For years, Hawaiʻi has faced persistent workforce shortages across critical industries including healthcare, construction, education, agriculture, hospitality, and public service. These shortages place additional strain on workers, delay critical projects, increase consumer costs, and make it harder for businesses and government agencies to meet community needs.

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At the same time, many residents continue to leave Hawaiʻi in search of better economic opportunities and a lower cost of living. We cannot solve our housing, healthcare, infrastructure, or economic challenges without investing in the people who make Hawaiʻi work every day.

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MY PRIORITIES INCLUDE:

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1. Increase Wages Toward a Livable Standard
   Support policies that move Hawaiʻi's minimum wage closer to a true living wage, ensuring that full-time workers can afford housing, healthcare, transportation, and basic necessities without working multiple jobs.

2. Strengthen Labor Union Protections and Collective Bargaining Rights
   Protect the rights of workers to organize, collectively bargain, and advocate for fair wages, safe working conditions, quality benefits, and workplace protections. Strong unions help strengthen Hawaiʻi's middle class and create economic stability for working families.

3. Expand Workforce Development and Skilled Trades Training
   Increase investment in apprenticeship programs, trade schools, career and technical education, and workforce training partnerships to prepare local residents for high-demand careers in construction, healthcare, clean energy, technology, and infrastructure.

4. Grow Hawaiʻi's Workforce Through Agriculture and Emerging Industries
   Support workforce initiatives that expand careers in agriculture, food production, aquaculture, renewable energy, technology, and innovation. By diversifying our economy and creating new opportunities, we can strengthen local food security while building sustainable, future-focused careers.

5. Leverage Technology and Innovation to Create Good-Paying Jobs
   Promote the responsible adoption of new technologies, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and digital infrastructure to attract investment, increase productivity, and create high-quality jobs, while ensuring workers receive the training needed to succeed in a changing economy.

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Proposals:

1. Support policies that ensure wages keep pace with the cost of living so that working families can remain in Hawaiʻi.

2. Strengthen protections for workers against wage theft, unsafe working conditions, and unfair scheduling practices.

3. Expand access to affordable childcare and after-school programs to reduce financial pressure on working parents.

4. Invest in workforce training and apprenticeship programs connected to local industries such as construction, healthcare, agriculture, and skilled trades.

5. Support incentives for local farmers and producers by expanding procurement of locally grown food for public institutions such as schools, hospitals, and state facilities.

6. Require greater transparency and accountability from employers and contractors receiving public funds or state incentives.

 

FACTS ABOUT HAWAII'S WORKFORCE:

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1. Hawaiʻi continues to experience workforce shortages in healthcare, construction, education, and skilled trades, impacting essential services statewide.

2. The state's high cost of living remains one of the biggest challenges for retaining local workers and attracting new talent.

3. Many employers report difficulty filling positions due to housing costs, workforce availability, and competition from opportunities on the mainland.

4. Skilled trade workers are essential to building the housing, infrastructure, and renewable energy projects Hawaiʻi needs for future growth.

5. Thousands of workers are expected to retire over the coming decade, creating an urgent need to develop and train the next generation workforce.

 

MOVING FROM TALK TO ACTION:

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A strong economy starts with a strong workforce. Hawaiʻi cannot keep local families here if workers cannot afford to build a life in the communities they serve.

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I believe every resident who works hard should have the opportunity to earn a good living, support their family, and build a future right here at home. By investing in workers, supporting labor, expanding career opportunities, and growing industries that create sustainable jobs, we can strengthen our economy and ensure that future generations can continue to live, work, and thrive in Hawaiʻi.