Education and Workforce Development

The Challenge

Hawaiʻi’s future depends on the success of its students, educators, and workforce. Yet too many young people leave the islands in search of opportunity, while employers across multiple industries struggle to fill critical positions.

At the same time, schools face ongoing challenges related to student achievement, teacher retention, workforce preparation, and career pathways that connect education to real opportunities in Hawaiʻi.

Education should prepare students not only for graduation, but for successful careers, strong families, civic engagement, and lifelong learning.

A stronger Hawaiʻi requires investing in people and creating opportunities that allow future generations to build their lives here at home.

Daniel’s Position

Daniel believes education is one of the most important investments Hawaiʻi can make in its future.

Students deserve high-quality educational opportunities, teachers deserve support and respect, and employers deserve a workforce prepared to meet the needs of a changing economy.

Education and workforce development should work together to create pathways that help local residents succeed while strengthening Hawaiʻi’s economy and communities.

The goal is simple: prepare Hawaiʻi’s students and workers for success while creating opportunities that encourage them to stay and build their futures in Hawaiʻi.

Action Plan

Strengthen Student Achievement

Support educational initiatives that improve academic outcomes while helping students develop critical thinking, communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

Support Teachers and School Staff

Work to improve teacher recruitment, retention, professional development, and workplace support throughout the state.

Expand Career and Technical Education

Strengthen vocational training, apprenticeship programs, technical certifications, and workforce development partnerships that connect students directly to employment opportunities.

Build Stronger Education-to-Career Pathways

Increase collaboration between schools, community colleges, universities, employers, labor organizations, and workforce development programs.

Retain Local Talent

Focus on creating opportunities that encourage Hawaiʻi’s students and graduates to live, work, and raise families in the islands.

Measuring Success

Daniel supports annual reporting on:

  • Student achievement outcomes

  • Graduation rates

  • Teacher retention rates

  • Workforce vacancy rates

  • Career and technical education participation

  • Apprenticeship participation

  • Postsecondary enrollment and completion

  • Local workforce placement rates

  • Young adult retention in Hawaiʻi

Education should be measured by whether students are prepared for success and whether opportunities exist for them after graduation.

The ultimate goal is not simply graduating students. The goal is creating pathways that allow Hawaiʻi’s next generation to build meaningful careers, support their families, and contribute to their communities without feeling forced to leave the islands.