Hawaii leaders to discuss AI, workforce shifts in Future of Work conference

Sunrise admin September 21, 2026 0 Comments

Hawaii leaders to discuss AI, workforce shifts in Future of Work conference

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – As artificial intelligence and emerging technologies rapidly reshape the modern economy, business and community leaders across Hawaii are gathering to prepare the local workforce for what lies ahead.

The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii and the Workforce Development Council are hosting the Future of Work 2027 Conference on Wednesday, Sept. 23, at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Chamber of Commerce Hawaii President and CEO Sherry Menor and Workforce Development Council Executive Director Bennette Misalucha joined Hawaii News Now Sunrise Weekends to discuss how shifting industry demands and new technologies are impacting island workers and local employers.

“From policy advisors to small businesses, they need to understand what the landscape is,” Menor said. “When you think about the fact that we’re an island economy, everything is interrelated. What happens in tourism has an impact on construction and beyond.”

Presented by Hawaiian Electric, the annual conference brings together leaders from business, education, government, and organized labor to address Hawaii’s unique economic challenges including business competitiveness and outmigration.

“AI is definitely transforming the way our workforce is being prepared,” Menor noted, adding that workforce readiness is essential to strengthening Hawaii’s business climate. “It underscores the need for this commitment to work together to ensure we have a prepared workforce for today’s jobs, tomorrow’s jobs, and into the future.”

Discussions will center around the 2030 Blueprint for Hawaii, an economic roadmap prioritizing workforce development, career pathways, and talent retention across key sectors like healthcare, defense, technology, construction, and tourism.

Looking even further ahead, organizers emphasized the generational nature of workforce initiatives, especially amid ongoing efforts to keep local youth from moving to the mainland.

“By 2045, our goal is that every person will have access to a pathway toward a good living wage,” Misalucha said. “When you think about it, the kids who are in kindergarten right now will be entering the workforce in 2045. That’s who we have in mind as we develop this generational commitment.”

In addition to panel discussions and interactive breakout sessions, the conference will recognize local contributors during the Workforce Heroes Celebration, with a Lifetime Achievement Award presented to longtime labor leader Eric Gill of UNITE HERE Local 5.

Registration is open to the public. For tickets and complete program information, visit cochawaii.org.