Report on the 2025 Hawaiʻi Workforce Development Hero Awards and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Executive Summary

On September 12, 2025, the Hawaiʻi State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) announced the recipients of the third annual Workforce Development Hero Awards. This initiative, held during Workforce Development Month, recognizes individuals and organizations making significant contributions to enhancing employment opportunities and skill development across the state. These efforts are in direct alignment with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on education, economic growth, and reducing inequality. The program aims to build a resilient and skilled workforce capable of supporting Hawaiʻi’s evolving economy, thereby contributing to a sustainable future.

2.0 Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The Workforce Development Hero Awards highlight initiatives that are fundamental to achieving key SDGs. The work of the honorees directly supports a sustainable and inclusive economic framework for Hawaiʻi.

• SDG 4: Quality Education: The awards recognize leaders who create pathways for lifelong learning and vocational training. By preparing residents for in-demand employment, these heroes advance the goal of inclusive and equitable quality education for all.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The core objective of the recognized efforts is to promote full, productive employment and decent work. By connecting job seekers with meaningful employment and ensuring businesses have access to skilled talent, these initiatives foster sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: The program acknowledges efforts that provide equitable access to career opportunities, including support for individuals in vocational rehabilitation. This focus on creating pathways to opportunity for all residents helps reduce inequalities within the community.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The success of workforce development in Hawaiʻi is built on strong collaborations between government agencies, economic development boards, educational institutions, and community organizations. The awards celebrate these multi-stakeholder partnerships, which are essential for achieving sustainable development.

3.0 2025 Award Recipients and Finalists

The 2025 awards acknowledge outstanding contributions from across the islands, reflecting a statewide commitment to workforce excellence.

3.1 Award Winners

1. Oʻahu: Dan Doerger (Pacific Center for Advanced Technology Training) and Julie Morikawa (ClimbHI)
2. Maui: Katie Taladay (Maui Economic Development Board)
3. Kauaʻi: Jackie Kaina (Kauaʻi Economic Development Board)
4. Hawaiʻi Island: Clinton Mercado (Hawaiʻi Workforce Development Board)
5. Lifetime Achievement Award: Daniel Iaela (Hawaiian Council)

3.2 Award Finalists

• General Finalists:
  • Randall Higa (Workforce Transition Center)
  • Constancio Paranal III (City and County of Honolulu, Office of Economic Revitalization)
  • Sherri Komatsu (DHS Division of Vocational Rehabilitation)
  • Daintry Bartoldus (State Council on Developmental Disabilities)
  • Lisa Kobayashi (County of Hawaiʻi Research and Development Department)
  • Lawaiʻa Naihe (Hoʻākeolapono Trades Academy)
• Lifetime Achievement Finalists:
  • Carol Kanayama (State of Hawaiʻi, DLIR, Workforce Development Division)
  • Ann Katekaru (Inkinen Executive Search)

4.0 Concluding Remarks and Future Events

The collective efforts of the awardees and finalists significantly enhance the resilience and competitiveness of Hawaiʻi’s workforce. Their dedication empowers individuals and strengthens communities, contributing directly to the state’s economic vitality and progress toward global sustainability targets. The winners and finalists will be formally honored at the Future of Work Conference on September 24, 2025, at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaiʻi. This event will serve to celebrate their achievements and highlight their vital contributions to building a sustainable and prosperous future for Hawaiʻi.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed in the Article

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • The article’s central theme is “workforce development,” which directly aligns with SDG 8. It focuses on promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. The DLIR’s mission, as stated by Director Jade T. Butay, is to ensure “businesses have access to skilled workers, while helping job seekers find meaningful employment,” which is the core of this goal. The efforts are aimed at boosting the “resilience and competitiveness of Hawaiʻi’s workforce” as the economy evolves.

2. SDG 4: Quality Education

   • The article emphasizes “skill development” and preparing people for “in-demand employment.” This connects to SDG 4’s focus on inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities. The recognition of organizations like the “Pacific Center for Advanced Technology Training” and the “Hoʻākeolapono Trades Academy” highlights the importance of technical and vocational training, which is a key component of ensuring quality education that leads to employment.

3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   • The article implicitly addresses the reduction of inequalities by highlighting inclusive workforce development. The boilerplate text mentions “Equal Opportunity Employer/Program” and the availability of services for “individuals with disabilities.” Furthermore, the list of award finalists includes individuals from the “DHS Division of Vocational Rehabilitation” and the “State Council on Developmental Disabilities,” indicating a focus on empowering and promoting the economic inclusion of persons with disabilities.

4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

   • The article showcases a multi-stakeholder partnership to strengthen workforce development. The “Workforce Development Hero Awards” themselves are a collaborative effort involving a state government agency (DLIR), various economic development boards (Maui, Kauaʻi), councils (Workforce Development Council, Hawaiian Council), and non-profit organizations (ClimbHI). This collaboration between public, public-private, and civil society institutions is the essence of SDG 17.

Specific SDG Targets Identified

1. Target 8.5: Full and productive employment and decent work for all

   • The article’s stated purpose of “helping job seekers find meaningful employment” directly supports the goal of achieving full and productive employment. The mention of services for individuals with disabilities through the “DHS Division of Vocational Rehabilitation” and the “State Council on Developmental Disabilities” aligns with the target’s specific inclusion of persons with disabilities.

2. Target 4.4: Increase the number of youth and adults with relevant skills for employment

   • This target is addressed through the article’s focus on “advancing employment opportunities and skill development.” The awards recognize leaders who create “pathways to opportunity” by equipping the workforce with relevant technical and vocational skills. The mention of the “Pacific Center for Advanced Technology Training” is a direct example of an institution working towards this target.

3. Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social and economic inclusion of all

   • The article supports this target by acknowledging efforts to include marginalized groups in the workforce. The “Equal Opportunity Employer/Program” statement and the recognition of finalists from organizations dedicated to vocational rehabilitation and developmental disabilities demonstrate a commitment to the economic inclusion of all individuals, irrespective of disability.

4. Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships

   • The entire initiative described in the article is an example of this target in action. The awards draw nominations from “across the state, showcasing the vast range of individuals and institutions working toward strengthening Hawaiʻi’s workforce.” The list of winners and finalists from government, economic development boards, and non-profits exemplifies a robust partnership model.

Indicators for Measuring Progress

1. Number of individuals gaining employment through workforce development programs

   • While the article does not provide specific numbers, it implies that a key measure of success for the recognized “heroes” and their organizations is the number of job seekers who find “meaningful employment.” This serves as a primary indicator for progress towards Target 8.5.

2. Number of people participating in and completing technical and vocational training

   • The article implies this indicator by highlighting institutions like the “Pacific Center for Advanced Technology Training” and the “Hoʻākeolapono Trades Academy.” The success of these programs, measured by enrollment and completion rates, would be a direct indicator of progress towards Target 4.4.

3. Employment rates of persons with disabilities

   • The article suggests a focus on this indicator by mentioning the “DHS Division of Vocational Rehabilitation” and the “State Council on Developmental Disabilities.” An increase in the employment rate for the populations these organizations serve would be a key measure of success in achieving the economic inclusion goals of Target 10.2.

4. Number and diversity of participating organizations in workforce development initiatives

   • The article itself acts as a qualitative indicator for Target 17.17 by listing a wide array of partners. The “vast range of individuals and institutions” nominated, including government agencies, economic development boards from different islands, and non-profits, demonstrates the breadth and strength of the partnership network.

Summary Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: labor.hawaii.gov