Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does a person become a council member?

Q: Are the Workforce Development Council (WDC) and the Workforce Development Division (WDD) the same thing?

Q: What is the Workforce Investment Act?

Q: What are Hawaii's four one stop delivery systems?

Q: How does a person become a council member?

A: The governor appoints members to the Council. To nominate or volunteer, please send information to:

The Boards and Commissions Coordinator
Office of the Governor
Hawaii State Capitol
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Phone: (808) 586-0026
Fax: (808) 586-0019

Visit Hawaii's Revised Statutes 202-2 for information about council duties, membership composition and terms.

Q: Are the Workforce Development Council (WDC) and the Workforce Development Division (WDD) the same thing?

A: No. Both play important roles in Hawaii's workforce development system. The Council's mandate focuses on the advisory role while the DLIR Workforce Development Division focuses on program operations. Also, the Council is a private sector-led board with a support staff while the Workforce Development Division is a full public-sector division of the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR).

Q: What is the Workforce Investment Act?

A: The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) is federal legislation "to consolidate, coordinate, and improve employment, training, literacy, and vocational rehabilitation programs in the United States, and for other purposes." It replaced the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA).

WIA went into effect in Hawaii on July 1, 2000 with the following design principles:

• Delivery of services is streamlined through a "one stop delivery system" made up of partners and service providers.
• There is universal access through the One Stop Centers. There is a continuum of information, education, training and supportive services for employers and for jobseekers. There are core services for everyone and access to intensive and/or training services for those who are eligible and in most need.
• Private sector-led state and local boards assist the Governor and mayors via comprehensive five year strategic workforce investment plans and oversight of workforce investment activities.
• Local youth councils are appointed to guide workforce investment activities for youth in most need.
• Performance and customer satisfaction are measured for accountability and continuous improvement of the system.

Q: What are Hawaii's four one stop delivery systems?

• For the City & County of Honolulu: Oahu WorkLinks
• For Hawai'i County: Big Island Workplace Connection
• For Kaua'i County: WorkWise Kauai
• For Maui County: WorkSourceMaui

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