The Hawaii Senate Committee on Labor and Technology convened on March 8, 2025, to discuss the nomination of Kelly Oeoka to the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation (HTDC), a position set to expire on June 30, 2028. Oeoka, who has been actively involved with HTDC, emphasized the critical role technology plays in creating equitable job opportunities for local residents.

In his testimony, Oeoka highlighted his commitment to workforce development, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw a troubling trend of young talent leaving Hawaii. He shared his experience in implementing a workforce program that provided high school graduates with technology training and industry-recognized credentials, aiming to retain local talent and connect them with major companies like Microsoft and Oracle.

Support for Oeoka's nomination was strong, with several community leaders and organizations voicing their backing. Notable endorsements came from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBED), as well as various local organizations, all recognizing Oeoka's potential to drive positive change within the technology sector in Hawaii.

The committee received ten individual testimonies in support of Oeoka, reflecting a broad consensus on his qualifications and vision for the HTDC. As the meeting concluded, the committee members expressed their appreciation for the testimonies and the importance of Oeoka's role in shaping Hawaii's technological landscape. The nomination is poised to advance, with expectations for Oeoka to leverage his experience to foster innovation and job growth in the state.