The Senate Committee on Labor and Technology on April 4 advised and consented to three gubernatorial nominees to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council: Amber Akana (term to 06/30/2029), Scott Collins (term to 06/30/2028) and Pane Meotonga III (term to 06/30/2029).

Amber Akana, who described herself as deeply involved in the maritime industry, told the committee she is committed to diversity, inclusion and workforce development in maritime jobs and supporting policies that help working families access training. Scott Collins said he has served on the board since 2022 and that his public-sector and union background prepares him to help address government workforce recruitment challenges. Pane Meotonga III did not appear in person; staff noted he was traveling to Washington, D.C., on union business and submitted supporting testimony.

Committee staff and endorsing organizations recorded broad support on the hearing record. Benette Misalucha, executive director of the Workforce Development Council, told the committee that the nominees had been vetted and that the council strongly supported the appointments. Written and oral testimony in support came from organized labor and industry representatives, including United Public Workers, HGEA, Hawaii State AFL-CIO, Hawaii Nurses Association, Hawaii Ports Maritime Council, Polynesian Cultural Center and Pacific Resource Partnership, among others.

Each nomination was presented with a recommendation to advise and consent and the committee adopted those recommendations without reservations. Chair Aquino and Vice Chair Lee recorded aye votes; Senators Ihara, Moriwaki and Fevella also recorded aye votes for the group of nominations. The committee congratulated the nominees and closed the item.

No amendments, conditions, or formal direction to staff were recorded for these confirmations. Several supporters noted the nominees’ industry experience and union vetting; no opposition testimony was recorded on the hearing record.